only handbags? what does this mean?

The Japanese media have described David Beckham as humiliating himself in Real Madrid's shock 3-0 loss to Tokyo Verdy.

The England skipper was embroiled in a running feud with Kazuyuki Toda and accused the player of spitting at him.

Beckham was even reported as attempting to "raid" the rival dressing room at half-time but the midfielder played down the incident as "only handbags".

Simon Oliveira, the 30-year-old's publicist, told BBC Sport there was nothing to it: "His words are enough."

Verdy's victory was totally overshadowed by Beckham's behaviour and post-match comments about the former Tottenham player.

Of the incident at the break, when Beckham and his team-mates Ronaldo and Michel Salgado reportedly tried to force their way into the Verdy changing room, Beckham explained: "It was only handbags, just a few words were exchanged, nothing more."

The Japanese media was less conciliatory.

The Nikkan Sports daily said the entire Real Madrid squad "lost their natural selves".