David Beckham got involved in an ugly confrontation with fans at his home return game in Los Angeles.

The former England captain tried to jump over a barrier as he left the field at half-time to remonstrate with supporters who 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.

Beckham received a less than friendly welcome at his first home game for LA Galaxy after returning from a five-month loan spell at AC Milan, the team LA was playing.

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.

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. This angered some LA 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 obscene chants. At half time, Beckham tried to hurdle an advertising board and appeared to make a “come on” gesture towards fans. One jumped onto the pitch and tried to run towards Beckham.

Beckham was substituted in the 75th minute and walked off to a mixture of cheers and boos. The friendly match ended 2-2.

He claimed he had tried to shake a supporter’s hand saying: “The majority of the fans have been great.” On the boos, he added: “It’s to be expected. Sometimes it goes beyond it. I tried to shake one of the guy’s hands but he didn’t want any of it.”