An L.A. Story
David Beckham’s Los Angeles homecoming had all the makings of a Hollywood script: passion, betrayal, jealousy, and for a moment, violence. Sunday’s exhibition game pitted the LA Galaxy against AC Milan, the very team Beckham so publicly eloped with under the Tuscan sun. Beckham was booed harshly during his first match back last week, but that game was played in New York, a city with fickle fans exhibiting the notorious New York bravado.
LA fans would welcome him back with open arms, right? Los Angeles – a place where stars are idolized despite their misgivings (see star basketball player Kobe Bryant’s rape allegations from 2002) or their perversions (queue your favorite Michael Jackson tune). They would still love their golden boy with the multi-million dollar smile, tattoos, and sponsorship deals, right? WRONG. The fans lashed out at Beckham hurtling boo’s and displaying banners admonishing his two-timing ways and “commitment” to their club. At halftime, while heading to the locker room, Becks approached one of the groups berating him and whilst pointing to the ground in front of the stand yelled up, “come down here!” One zealous fan leaped out of the stands and before either he or #23 could throw a punch, security, as well as a host of players from both teams, were on the scene. Even a huffing and puffing Ronaldinho rushed to support his former teammate. Landon Donovan… not so much.
Who says we don't care?
LA tied the match 2-2 with Becks assisting both goals. Substituted in the 75th minute, Beckham jogged off to a mixture of cheers and boo’s. This entertaining saga still has life in it yet. Two things we learned from recent events:
1) The MLS fan is more evolved than anyone knew prior to Sunday. The MLS fan can get angry when one of its megastars acts as if he’s bigger than the club. The MLS fan will charge from the stands if provoked, regardless of the consequences. The MLS fan will buy your $90 jersey one day, and spit on it the next if you don’t give your heart and soul to the club. Take note Becks, this didn’t happen in DC, NY or Chicago, but right here in sunny and mellow LA. Kudos, MLS fan!
2) Becks can turn this around. LA has been the laughing stock of the league ever since he joined, but they are currently on a 4-game win streak and charging up the table. If Becks can ride the tide and contribute to the Galaxy’s run into the MLS Playoffs then he’ll undoubtedly turn these fans back on side once again. Or, at least until his next rendezvous with his mistress in Milan.
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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.
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