FOOTBALL star David Beckham has branded Saints' fans as among the most abusive in the Premiership.

The insults hurled against him at the Dell pushed him close to emulating former Manchester United player Eric Cantona who attacked an abusive fan.

Speaking to The Observer, Beckham, pictured, said he has been tempted to act the same.

He said: "Most of the time it has been at Chelsea or West Ham. West Ham are bad. Southampton as well, they're one of the worst I have ever experienced."

Fans, knowing that he is thin-skinned, unleash insults about his wife Posh Spice's sexual preferences and even about his 18-month-old son Brooklyn. Some have even chanted that they hope the baby dies of cancer.

"I have even got used to stuff about Brooklyn now. I've got to. Because if I don't, then I will just crack up," he added.

Southampton fans, hardly noted for their aggression, have reacted with puzzled bemusement to the comments.

Nick Illingsworth, chairman of the Southampton Indepen-dent Supporters' Association, said: "I have heard abuse about Beckham and his wife but never about his son.

"I am very surprised by his comments. I would have thought it would be far worse at Liverpool and Leeds, whose fans really hate Manchester United."

Mr Illingsworth said the cramped nature of the Dell may explain why Beckham highlights Southampton. "The players walk out of the tunnel right next to the supporters. The pitch is two yards from the stands. Many other Premiership grounds are new and the stands are further from the pitch so he doesn't hear.

"I would certainly go on record criticising the abuse. But I would also say footballers should have broad enough shoulders. He earns £30,000 a week and with endorsements he probably earns more in seven days than most Saints' fans do in two years.

"There is the odd idiot but most Saints fans are decent people. Shouting at matches is a way of letting off steam."

Manchester United and David Beckham are not due at the Dell until April 16, 2001.