SportsFullCircle

The MLS has fined the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer star David Beckham $1,000 for his gestures towards taunting fans. The MLS said that his gestures suggested that the fans get out of their seats and come down on the field.

The group of taunting fans, known as the LA Riot Squad, were taunting and booing Beckham throughout the whole exhibition game against AC Milan. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.

“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. 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,” commissioner Don Garber said.

At halftime, Beckham walked towards the group while pointing and shouting. He challenged fans to meet him on the field, and tried to climb over advertising boards. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.

In a second-half corner kick in front of the LA Riot Squad’s section, Beckham instantaneously turned to those fans, put his index finger up to his lips, shrugged his shoulders, and blew them a kiss. The corner kick resulted in a goal.

However, Beckham is unapologetic towards his actions: “At the end of the day, I play my game. If it’s not good enough for some people, as long as it’s good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters.”

“Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime. We don’t believe questioning Beckham’s commitment to our team is over the line, but it’s clear that David feels otherwise,” said a statement from the Riot Squad.

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