MLS Fine Beckham

Pegasus503 · 24 Jul 2009, 05:24 PM

NEW YORK — David Beckham was fined $1,000 by Major League Soccer, which said his gestures toward taunting fans suggested that they leave their seats and come on the field.
The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.
"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."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.
Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.
Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.
"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."
The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.
"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."

TrickHog · 24 Jul 2009, 05:26 PM

Should we start up a collection to help him pay it?

scsc2000 · 24 Jul 2009, 05:29 PM

$1000, really, I mean really MLS? why not just not fine him.

mparker · 24 Jul 2009, 05:29 PM

I am actually glad to see that MLS did not give him a ridiculous fine simply because of his salary. The fine was on par with what any MLS player would have gotten.

Beakmon FC · 24 Jul 2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrickHog

Should we start up a collection to help him pay it?

pay pal?

shirteesdotnet · 24 Jul 2009, 05:40 PM

This was a non MLS game though? How does Gerber baby step in and fine a player in a non MLS game? What if this happened overseas? Would MLS step in then? Will David send a pair of undies and perfume along with the paypal?

frostdude1 · 24 Jul 2009, 05:41 PM

Looks like the Beckhams won't be dining out the rest of the week

Vindo310 · 24 Jul 2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shirteesdotnet

This was a non MLS game though? How does Gerber baby step in and fine a player in a non MLS game? What if this happened overseas? Would MLS step in then? Will David send a pair of undies and perfume along with the paypal?

It is an MLS team so I don't think it would matter if it is a friendly or not.

73Bruin · 24 Jul 2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shirteesdotnet

This was a non MLS game though? How does Gerber baby step in and fine a player in a non MLS game? What if this happened overseas? Would MLS step in then? Will David send a pair of undies and perfume along with the paypal?

I am sure at some point Beckham is an MLS employee and as such is subject to portions of the MLS contact, which I am guessing gives the commissioner the right to collect fines for inappropriate behavior on and off the pitch.

As for the 2nd part, I will let Sanda go there.