In banning two Yankees fans from Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night for aggressively interfering with Dodgers star Mookie Betts in Game 4, the Yankees called the behavior of the two “egregious and unacceptable.”
The Yankees officially announced the ban Wednesday afternoon after the Post first reported that Austin Capobianco and John Peter would be barred from Yankee Stadium for Game 5 after being ejected for snatching a ball from the Yankees’ glove. Betts as he made a catch in the first inning of the night. Before.
“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for flagrant and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the Yankees said in a statement.
“The safety and security of players, fans and stadium staff is the fundamental element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.
“Tonight marks the last home game of the year, and we want every ounce of passion our fans have on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line and intentionally put players in physical danger.
“The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be allowed to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.
It was not yet known as of Wednesday afternoon whether the ban will extend beyond the fifth match, although fans’ ticket prices for the match will be refunded.
As Betts hit the wall in foul territory down the right field line to catch a flyout from Gleyber Torres, Capobianco, wearing a road gray Yankees jersey, put both hands on Betts’ glove while his friend Peter grabbed Betts’ right wrist before the ball popped. from Betts’ glove.
Torres was quickly arrested for fan interference.
Capobianco, 38, told ESPN on Tuesday night at a bar near the stadium after being kicked out that he and his friend had thought about what they would do in a similar scenario, and they said they were initially told that they would be allowed to return for the game. 5.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco told ESPN. “We are not going to do everything to attack. If it’s in our area, we’ll go up to “D”.
“Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We are ready to do it.
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Capobianco’s brother, Darren, told The Athletic that “Mookie was swearing at them,” which he said was “not good.”
The Yankees won Game 4, 11-4, to avoid a sweep and force Game 5 on Wednesday.
If the Bombers win, Game 6 would be played Friday in Los Angeles.
