Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham has been slapped with a $1,000 (Dh3,668) fine for provoking his own team's fans during the Galaxy's 2-2 draw with AC Milan at the Home Depot Center. Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber fined the Galaxy midfielder for his part in an ugly half-time scene where he allegedly challenged abusive Los Angeles fans to come down onto the field. "We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said.
"However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason." Video footage of the incident of the July 19 exhibition game also apparently shows Beckham trying to climb over a sideline railing before being stopped by security guards. Police arrested a fan who left the stands to meet Beckham's alleged challenge.
Beckham has incurred the wrath of Galaxy fans who say he is overpaid and refer to him as a part-time player because of his sidetrips to Europe to play for other teams. *AFP
