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MAJOR League Baseball has made a critical decision regarding two interfering fans.
On Tuesday night, two New York Yankees fans attempted to rip a ball out of an opposing players glove.
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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts made a jumping grab to catch a foul ball, but two fans didn’t want to let it happen.
After Betts secured the catch, the two fans grabbed Betts’ glove and arm and would let go, attempting to force his hand open to get the ball.
Eventually, Betts was able to pull his hand away, but the two fans’ actions were broadcast to millions of viewers on live TV.
It didn’t take long for the fans to be ejected from the game, but that wasn’t the end of the story.
At first, it was reported that the fans wouldn’t be banned from Yankee stadium and would be allowed to attend Game 5.
However, MLB requested that the Yankees ban the fans after their actions.
The Yankees released a statement regarding the fans on Wednesday afternoon.
“Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the statement read.
“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.
“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.
“The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night.
“These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”
Austin Capobianco, the fan who grabbed Betts’ glove in the stands, said he was planning to interfere with any play that got close to him.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” he told ESPN.
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“We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.
“Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
That play was just the first out of the bottom of the first inning, so Capobianco didn’t see much of the game.
“I know when I’m in the wrong and as soon as I did it, I was like, ‘Boys I’m out of here,'” Capobianco told ESPN.
“I patrol that wall and they know that.”
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