Sports Marketing .ie have learned that David Beckham is having trouble winning over the fans since his return to the Galaxy. Sports Marketing don’t believe that Beckhams American journey has been a success, given the hype that initially surronded his move.
Sports Business Daily
David Beckham’s MLS season debut Thursday night shows what a vast difference two years can make. The 23,238 fans at Giants Stadium for the Galaxy’s 3-1 win over the Red Bulls had a typical Big Apple welcome for Beckham, booing him throughout his time on the pitch. This is a far cry from the near-capacity crowd at the Meadowlands that fawned over his every move during Beckham’s debut game in N.Y. in ’07. It remains to be seen how other MLS markets, especially the hometown fans in L.A., will greet Beckham this season, but it seems more apparent now than ever that the buzz created when Beckham first landed in the U.S. is a thing of the past. Becks again reiterates his commitment to developing soccer in the States, but is it too late for his breathtaking skills and Hollywood lifestyle to boost soccer’s profile among a rather apathetic fan base domestically? And what kind of damage will Grant Wahl’s media tour promoting his new book have on the public reaction to Beckham’s return? Only time will tell
RTE Describe it as:
David Beckham got involved in an ugly confrontation with fans at his first home game for the Los Angeles Galaxy after returning from Italy.
The former England captain attempted to jump over a barrier as he left the field at half-time into a section of the crowd that had been jeering him.
He was held back by security staff, members of whom were also needed to restrain an angry fan who left his seat and rushed towards the footballer.
The 34-year-old explained afterwards in comments broadcast on Sky Sports News: ‘I tried to shake one of the guys’ hands but he didn’t want any of it. That’s the way it is.’
Beckham received a less than friendly welcome at his first home game after returning from a five-month loan spell at AC Milan – the team the Galaxy faced.
A hardcore section of the crowd booed Beckham every time he touched the ball and held aloft signs reading ‘Go Home Fraud’ and ‘23: Repent’ in reference to his shirt number.
Another read: ‘Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here after You, Here Despite You’ while one stated: ‘Is evil something u are…or something u do?’
Earlier this year, Beckham indicated he wanted to stay in Milan rather than return to America, stating that the standard of play was far higher in Italy.
The apparent snub has angered some Galaxy fans, notably a hardcore that sit in the so-called LA Riot Squad section.
Throughout the first half of the game he was subjected to jeers and obscene chants.
After the referee blew for half time, Beckham tried to hurdle an advertising boarding and appeared to make a ‘come on’ gesture towards fans.
In response, one man left his seat, jumped down on to the pitch and attempted to run towards Beckham. At this point security intervened and escorted Beckham to the changing room, while removing the fan from the pitch.
Despite the incident, Beckham returned in the second half. He was the last man to take to the pitch and hugged several of his former Milan team-mates before gesturing towards the rowdy section of the crowd.
A line of yellow-jacketed security staff stood below the supporters in the trouble area as a precaution.
On the pitch Beckham had a hand in both Galaxy goals, scored by Alan Gordon and Bryan Jordan, as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Rossoneri. Thiago Silva and Filippo Inzaghi scored for Milan.
After the second Galaxy goal, Beckham turned and shrugged his shoulders in the direction of the section of crowd that had been jeering him.
The former Manchester United star was substituted after 75 minutes and walked off to a mixture of cheers and boos.
On the boos, Beckham said: ‘It’s to be expected. Sometimes it goes beyond it. The majority of the fans have been great.’
