Two New York Yankees fans have been banned from attending Game 5 of the World Series after interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts in Game 4.
The Yankees announced in a statement Wednesday that the fans “will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity” and added that the incident Tuesday night with Betts was “egregious and unacceptable.”
A source told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers earlier Wednesday that it was not immediately clear whether the ban against Austin Capobianco, a season-ticket holder, and John Peter would apply to any Yankee Stadium games next season.
“The safety and security of players, fans and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised,” the Yankees said their statement.
“Tonight marks the final home game of year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.”
Capobianco told Rogers that the Yankees, who refunded him the cost of the tickets for Game 5, also informed him that he would be arrested if he tried to attend the game.
“We’re hoping for a short-term ban,” Capobianco told Rogers. “We don’t want to lose the season tickets.”
Capobianco and Peter were ejected for prying the ball out of Betts’ glove after the Dodgers right fielder’s leaping catch in the first inning.
Betts leaped at the wall along the right-field line in foul territory and initially caught Gleyber Torres‘ popup. Capobianco, seated in the first row and wearing a gray Yankees road jersey, grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball out while Peter grabbed Betts’ non-glove hand at the wrist.
Betts reacted angrily, and Torres was immediately called out on fan interference.
“When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said after the Yankees extended the series with an 11-4 victory. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game and that’s what I’m kind of focused on.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.