Baby steps... Little Harper makes her debut at an LA Galaxy game as the Beckham clan rallies together to support David

By Georgina Littlejohn and Marcus Barnes


Daddy's little girl: Victoria Beckham tends to baby Harper during the LA Galaxy match against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Centre, California


She may have been more interested in her bottle than watching her father in action on the pitch.

But David Beckham's daughter Harper was a notable addition to his legion of fans during yesterday's LA Galaxy Awards.

Becks, 36, was on the field at the Home Depot Centre in California taking part in a match against Chivas - while, in their private box, his wife Victoria tended to their little girl.

The look of love: Mrs Beckham holds her daughter up...

...and appears to give her a kiss

Victoria made sure Harper was well protected, keeping her on the right side of the glass in their VIP area, while the Beckham boys, Brookyln, Romeo and Cruz cheered on their father outside in the stands.

Ever the proud, doting mother she fed the 2-month-old milk from her bottle and held her lovingly as the boys kept a keen eye on David.

Also in the stands, bolstering the family's support for David, were the footballer superstar's mother Sandra and his sister Joanna.

Wasn't Mel B the Scary one? Victoria looks a little gloomy - perhaps a little tired from performing her motherly duties

Family affair: Victoria looks after baby Harper while her sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz cheer on their father David

Singing along: David's mother Sandra and his sister Joanna look on as Romeo and Cruz sing the American national anthem before the football match commences

Voice of an angel? Cruz appears to bellow out the anthem, but older brother Romeo doesn't look impressed

The women took charge of the boys as they frolicked and got very involved in the game, even singing the national anthem before the match kicked off.

Sandra and Joanna were like Ying and Yang in their matching, yet opposing, outfits.

Mother Beckham wore a black jacket with a beige top underneath while Joanna, who appeared to have slimmed down somewhat, wore a beige jacket with a black top under it.

Yes!: The Beckham boys jump up excitedly while their aunty Joanna also revels in their happy moment

Celebrating: Romeo and Cruz punch the air as they enjoy their father's performance against Chivas USA

Footballing family: David Beckham is joined on the pitch after LA Galaxy's match yesterday by his sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz

Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, ten, and six-year-old Cruz, surrounded their famous father as they ran on the pitch after the match between La Galaxy and Chivas USA.

Beckham looked every inch the proud dad as he stood next to his boys, hugging them close, kissing them and larking about with Cruz on his shoulders.

And they stood as good as gold as the team handed out its end-of-year awards, which saw Landon Donovan being handed the Golden Boot.

Love you, Daddy! Beckham showers his boys with kisses as he gather round him for hugs

banging heads: Beckham leans in close to his middle son Romeo who proudly wore his goalkeeper's gloves

LA Galaxy won the match 1-0 and Beckham's boys were seen hugging each other and jumping up and down in their private box after the goal.

However, if reports are correct, neither the boys or Victoria will be watching any more games there and will probably have to learn a little French.

Beckham's contract with LA Galaxy ends after the current Major League Soccer season and reports last week have suggested that Beckham has been linked to French outfit Paris Saint-Germain.

I want in on that! Cruz goes to join his father who engulfs his oldest two in a hug

He's all mine! Cruz gets a lift on David's shoulders as they walk round the pitch

But Fox News also reported that David is keen to return to Manchester United as a sporting director.

So Beckham's future appears to still be up in the air, even though he himself has suggested that he'll stay in Los Angeles, though will clearly consider what's best for his family.

'My family is the number one priority, family comes first and where they are happy is where I stay, it's that simple. My children go to school in LA and have done for five years,' he said.

He added: 'They are at the age where stability is important, so we'll see. I always said I will wait until the end of the season, see how I feel physically and then decide.'

We won! The brothers hug and dance around as LA Galaxy win 1-0 over Chivas USA


source:dailymail

The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright KOs Kirk Norcross in bloody boxing match finale... as ex Lauren is in his corner

By Emily Sheridan



Pow! The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright delivers a left hook to Kirk Norcross during their boxing match at the City Pavilion in Romford last night


Mark Wright and Kirk Norcross brought the first series of The Only Way Is Essex to a dramatic finale last night as they fought each other in a boxing match.

Club promoter Mark, 23, ended up the winner after leaving Sugar Hut nightclub owner Kirk, 22, with a bloody nose during the bout at the City Pavilion in Romford.

Interestingly, there appeared to be no sign of Mark's latest love Lucy - but his ex-girlfriend Lauren Goodger was spotted ringside looking glamorous in a white dress.


Triumphant: James 'Arg' Argent (far left) announces his best friend Mark as the winner


There has been speculation in recent days the couple may get back together after music manager/stylish Julian Bennett warned Lucy in last night's episode that he had heard rumours about Lauren and Mark being back together.

Of course, all the action was captured on camera for the final episode of the ITV2 reality show, which will be broadcast on Wednesday.

Both fighters gave themselves nicknames for the occasion, billing the match as Mark 'Left Hook' Wright V Kirk '2 Cross' Norcross.

After weeks of goading each other, Mark proved rather more gracious after winning and paid tribute to his opponent for being a 'great person'.


Back with Mark? The winner's ex-girlfriend Lauren Goodger was sat in the front row, fuelling speculation they may be getting back together



Love rivals: Beautician Amy Childs (left) switched to 'Team Mark' after ending her brief romance with Kirk, who is now dating glamour model-turned-DJ Lauren Pope (right)

Writing on his Twitter micro-blogging page last night, Mark said: 'Glad tonight's over. Kirk's a good friend and don't wanna fight him again. He's a great person and we'll be friends for a long while. Well done Kirk.'

Ahead of the fight, Wright sounded pretty confident, writing: 'I'm born ready. A born winner. Bang bang, c' ya soon.'

Before the big fight, the crowd were warmed up with a performance by girl group Lola - comprising of of Mark's older sister Jessica, Amba, Lauren and Linzi - and another fight between Jack Tweed and Big Brother 9 housemate Mohamed Mohamed.

Jack - best known for being the widower of Jade Goody - won the bout against Mohamed, after training alongside Mark over the past couple of weeks.


Team Mark: (L-R) Sam [partially seen], Amy who recently split from Kirk showed support for rival Mark, Jay Conroy, Jack and Harry Derbidge also watched the action


Another bout: Jade Goody's widower Jack Tweed won his match against Big Brother 9 star Mohamed Mohamed

All The Only Way Is Essex cast turned out for the big fight, including glamour model Sam Faiers, beautician Amy Childs, Nanny Pat, Harry Derbidge, Candy Jacobs, Michael Woods Adam Ryan and Maria Fowler.

Aside from losing the fight, Kirk also had to contend with his ex-girlfriend Amy Childs turning up with a male model and former Wimbledon footballer Jay Conroy.

After enjoying a first date at the King William IV pub in Chigwell in last night's episode - which was filmed several days ago, Amy invited him to join her at Kirk's fight to make her jealous, or 'jell' as she likes to abbreviate the word to.

The 20-year-old redhead wrote on Twitter last night: 'Is with my gorgeous date you will love him.'



Close to the action: Lauren chatted to her boss Adam Ryan and glamour model Maria Fowler (far right)



Good fight: Kirk and Mark show there's no hard feelings after their fight is over

However, when Amy gets time to watch last night's episode, she may be perturbed to see him and his friend Jack mocking her for thinking Essex was in South London.

However, Kirk has also moved on and invited glamour model-turned-DJ Lauren Pope, 28, to support him.

Amy ended her brief romance with Kirk 10 days ago when she spotted him chatting to Lauren - who was famously romantically linked to Prince Harry in the tabloids.

Sugar Hut employee Candy, who watched the match with her best friend Michael, also teased fans with the news there may be a Christmas special of The Only Way Is Essex next month.

• The final episode of first series of The Only Is Essex will be screened on ITV2 on Wednesday 10 November at 10pm


Warming up the crowd: Girl group Lola (L-R) Lauren Lindsay, Amba-Hollie Wood, Mark's sister Jessica (2nd right) and Linzi Peel performed their debut single Claustrophobic


Family support: Nanny Pat takes time out of cooking for her grandchildren to join granddaughter Jessica to watch Mark


Hot new couple: Amy posted a photo on her Twitter page of her companion, former Wimbledon footballer Jay



source:dailymail

Slam dunk! Delighted Justin Bieber can't hide his glee after winning basketball match

By CHRIS JOHNSON

Swinging into action: Justin Bieber took part in a charity basketball match today in Atlanta, Georgia

Justin Bieber slam dunked his way to victory today in a charity basketball match.
The 17-year-old singer showed off his impressive ball skills in Atlanta, Georgia in the LudaDay Celebrity Basketball Game 2011.

The teen star headed up Team Bieber, playing against rapper Ludacris's Team Luda in a close-fought match.


Victory: The teen singer celebrates after learning his team had won after taking on rapper Ludacris


Ludacrus confirmed he had been beaten by Bieber on Twitter, posting the message: 'FINAL SCORE 134-132 TEAM BIEBER.FUN GAME.'

The game raised $10,000 for the Ludacris Foundation, which supports the youth of struggling communities build a better future for themselves.

Confident Justin informed his fans of the match on Saturday, tweeting: '#TEAMBIEBER is going hard on sunday in ATL. #LUDADAYWEEKEND.


Who's the man! The final score was 134-132 in the close-fought match


'Victory is the only outcome! WHO IS COMING?! #charity.'

Bieber has also spent the weekend in the recording studio, revealing: 'Finished in the studio for the night. did something real special for u. now heading to ATL for this bball game btw #TEAMBIEBER and #TeamLuda.'

Last week Justin was involved in a minor fender bender in Los Angeles after crashing his Ferrari into a Honda.

Both parties were uninjured.



Ball skills: The game raised $10,000 for charity for the Ludacris Foundation


source: dailymail

From drab to WAG: The new Posh and Becks - Robbie and Claudine Keane - ditch their tracksuits in mid-Atlantic makeover and arrive glamorous at LAX

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



We're here! Robbie Keane arrives at LAX today with his wife Claudine ahead of his debut with LA Galaxy



They're likely to rival the Beckhams for the title of most glamorous couple in football.



So Robbie and Claudine Keane made sure they were camera-ready when they arrived at LAX yesterday.



The couple left Heathrow in tracksuits - Claudine's a typical WAG-style blue velour type- but they appeared to have transformed mid-air before arriving in Los Angeles looking groomed and gorgeous.





From drab to WAG: Robbie and Claudine depart for LA at Heathrow in tracksuits but have appear to have had a makeover mid-air and depart at LAX looking glam





The husband and wife faced scenes reminiscent of when David and Victoria Beckham arrived at the Los Angeles airport in 2007 so the footballer could begin his contract with LA Galaxy.



Irish striker Keane, 31, is joining the soccer ace from MLS club Tottenham Hotspur on a two-year contract, and judging by his face, he was ecstatic about the Hollywood move.



Claudine, 27, sported perfect make-up and shiny blonde hair which hardly lent itself to comfortable travel.





City of Angels: The couple have relocated to Hollywood after the Irish striker signed a £1.8million deal





Stylish: Claudine wore a pair of bright blue skinny jeans, midriff-bearing white top, Hermes Birkin bag and spiked Christian Louboutin heels





She wore a pair of bright blue skinny jeans, midriff-bearing white top, Hermes Birkin bag and spiked Christian Louboutin heels.



Keane changed from a black tracksuit and white T-shirt into a printed tee underneath a denim shirt and black jeans. He kept on the same comfortable white sneakers.



He waved to assembled photographers and fans as he emerged from the terminal with a grinning Claudine by his side.







Revealing: Claudine showed off her toned abs in this white crop top while her husband changed into a denim shirt and dark jeans but kept wearing the same sneakers





The couple happily posed for photographers, with Robbie leaning in to kiss his wife's cheek at one point.



Keane has said it was a 'dream come true' to join the MLS and revealed that David Beckham had played a role in the move after speaking to him about Galaxy when the former England captain trained with Spurs in January.





Big things ahead: Galaxy boss Bruce Arena said Robbie 'will be a great addition to our club





Flashback: Claudine and Keane yesterday and Victoria and David Beckham in July, 2007, as each couple arrives at LAX to join LA Galaxy





Warm welcome: The Beckhams were greeted with a crowd of fans and photographers when they arrived in Los Angeles in 2007





'When David Beckham came and trained at Spurs recently he couldn't speak highly enough about the Galaxy, their fans and the league in general, so I can’t wait to get over and get started,' he said.



'I am delighted, honoured and very excited to be joining the LA Galaxy.'

Galaxy boss Bruce Arena said: 'Robbie Keane will be a great addition to our club. I have followed his career and have always respected his ability as a competitor and a goalscorer.



'I believe that he brings qualities in and around the penalty area that we have been lacking.



Hopefully, he will be another piece of the puzzle in our quest for the Supporters’ Shield and an MLS Cup championship as well as to advance to the next round of the Champions League.'





Mass excitement: Hundreds of eager fans waited at LAX to welcome Robbie to Los Angeles







Move: The former Tottenham player has said it is 'a dream come true' to play for the MLS team





source: dailymail

Olympic trial of London road race causes chaos as furious drivers are forced to abandon their cars

By John Geoghegan and Chris Greenwood





The organisers had hoped it would be a seamless test run for the 2012 Olympics.



But the chaos that surrounded yesterday’s London-Surrey Cycle Classic may have given an unfortunate taste of what to expect next summer.



Much of London was left in gridlock by the bicycle race, and some furious drivers were even forced to abandon their cars.



Taking up the tarmac: Competitors are spread across the entire width of the road along the London-Surrey route





Top cyclists rode from The Mall in central London to Box Hill in Surrey and back again - the exact same 87-mile route as the road race in the 2012 Olympics.



About 1,400 roads in London and Surrey were shut for most of the day, resulting in huge traffic build-ups.



Roads in central London were blocked off from 4am yesterday while those further out had closed at 8pm on Saturday. Many closures remained in place until 4pm yesterday.



Transport for London bosses said they warned residents and businesses that roads in the area would be ‘severely affected’.



Wide berth: Even The Mall in London had to be cordoned off to allow the cyclists through





But many motorists, who found themselves stuck in traffic for hours, said they were unaware of the degree of the disruption.



Drivers were also angry that roads were still shut long after cyclists had passed through.



Alan Ashworth, 56, from Bromley, left his car after hitting gridlock in Kings Road in Chelsea about 2.15pm and had to walk two miles to work in Kensington.



He said: ‘It was absolute gridlock.



‘I was trying to cross Fulham Road and was turned back.



‘I asked the race steward when the race finished and he said it was an hour ago.



‘He said he was from out of town and didn’t really know what was going on.



‘I was told to go to Shepherd’s Bush if I wanted to get to Kensington.



‘But there were no cyclists flying by, just hundreds of these stewards.

‘It was absolute nonsense.’



Pedal power: Competitors rode from The Mall in central London to Box Hill in Surrey and back again - the exact same 87-mile route as the road race in the 2012 Olympics



Takeover: About 1,400 roads in London and Surrey were shut for most of the day, resulting in huge traffic build-ups



Mark Cavendish sprints fro the line in front of Buckhingham Palace and (right) celebrates his victory





Areas affected included Westminster, Chelsea, Fulham , Richmond, Hampton Court and parts of Surrey.



South west London, including Kingston and Putney, were among the worst-hit areas.

Motorists complained that journeys of just a few miles took up to two hours and in some cases were impossible to complete.



There were reports of tempers fraying around Earls Court when a wedding convoy realised their route was completely blocked by temporary road blocks.



One unnamed race steward in Putney High Street admitted the road closures had been ‘chaotic’ with staff left in the dark over when diversions would be lifted.



Not exactly a walk in the park: Normally peaceful Richmond Park was on the cyclists' route





He said: ‘This is supposed to be a test event and it shows there is a lot more work to be done.



‘I am from Lincoln and we have cycle events all the time that pass without any bother.



‘It’s been a long day with a lot of angry motorists.’



The situation was made worse by gas roadworks at the junction of the A3 and the south circular, already one of London’s worst bottlenecks.



Drivers also vented their frustrations on Twitter and Facebook.



Sharon Burke-Mukungu, from London. tweeted: “Many roads closed in London today for a cycling event.



‘Please have such events in countryside in future.



‘Traffic been shocking all day.’



Support: Spectators in Headley, Surrey, were out in force. About 1,400 roads in London and Surrey were shut for most of the day, resulting in huge traffic build-ups





Despite the congestion, organisers hailed the event a success – but said lessons had been learned.



Debbie Jevans, London 2012 Director of Sport, said: ‘I want to thank London and Surrey residents for changing their normal Sunday to accommodate this race and to the tens of thousands who lined the route to support the athletes.’



Leon Daniels, Transport for London’s managing director for surface transport, added: ‘A huge amount of planning and delivery went into making this event happen.



‘The vast majority of people appeared to heed our advice to plan their travel and used tube and rail services, while others chose to enjoy viewing the race in their local area.’





Sealed with a kiss: Cavendish celebrates his win with girlfriend Peta Todd





The race passed through six London boroughs, four Royal Parks and out into Surrey before returning to central London and The Mall where Briton Mark Cavendish was first across the finishing line.



The event follows the route to be followed by the Olympic road cycling races, which take place over five days next summer, from Saturday, July 28, until Wednesday August 1.



Free to watch, it will include separate races for men and women plus time trials.





source:dailymail

I wish I had a six-pack like that! Celtic legend Henrik Larsson can't hide his envy over Gerard Butler's muscles during charity football match

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



I wish I had a six-pack like that! Henrik Larsson looks on enviously as Gerard Butler shows off his muscles in the changing room ahead of a charity football match between Celtic and Manchester United



Back in the day, Henrik Larsson was one of the hottest football heartthrobs in Sweden.



But, as he sat in the changing room with Gerard Butler this afternoon, ahead of a charity football match, Larsson couldn't help casting an envious glance at the Hollywood actor's incredibly muscular physique.



As Butler stuck his tongue out at the cameras while putting his top on, Larsson could be seen in the corner, failing to mask his jealousy over the 300 star's six-pack.





Posing up: But the pair smiled for the camera as they posed with Butler's Celtic football shirt





Butler was just one of the celebrities who took to the football field for Celtic as the team took on Manchester United in a charity football match to help raise money to tackle famine in East Africa.



Lifelong Celtics fan Butler couldn't hide his delight as he took to the field at Parkhead for the legends match.



The 41-year-old star was seen beaming as he made his way into the stadium in his white T-shirt and beige trousers, taking the time to have photographs taken with fans.





Preparations: The chance to play for Celtic was the fulfilling of a lifelong dream for 300 star Butler





Ready for action: Butler grins and waves as he poses before taking to the field before the match





Celtic manager Neil Lennon said before the match he was 'very excited' about the upcoming game.



He said: 'Manchester United have had some great teams over the years, and a lot of the players will be turning up for that.



'The history of our club was that it was started as a charitable organisation for Irish immigrants in Glasgow and we have carried that through year after year on donating to charity ever since.





I'm free! Butler looks in a world of his own as he plays during the energetic game





Warming up: Butler enjoys a kickabout with Manchester United's Roy Keane before the match





Excited: Butler couldn't hide his delight as he made his way into the stadium for the game





Casual: Butler, dressed casually in a pair of beige combats and white T-shirt, took the time to pose with fans





source: dailymail