Madison Square Garden bans Ranger fan for life after “abhorrent assault” of Lightning fan
Madison Square Garden Entertainment has issued a lifetime ban from all its venues against a New York Rangers fan who punched a fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning at MSG on Thursday evening.
Twitter user Scott Kaplan captured and shared a now-viral video of the altercation, which shows a man wearing a Rangers T-shirt punching an unsuspecting man in a Tampa Bay Lightning jersey.
Fight at MSG #NYR #NoQuitInNY #Fights #TampaBay pic.twitter.com/xxL9oD1if1
— Scott Kaplan (@ScottKaplanOn) June 10, 2022According to a report by New York sports journalist Evan Axelbank, the Rangers fan — identified as 29-year-old Staten Island resident James Anastasio — punched another eyewitness who attempted to prevent him from leaving the scene.
Axelbank was reportedly charged with two counts each of assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment. According to the New York Police Department, the fan in the Lightning jersey was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment issued a statement on the matter on Friday afternoon.
“Last night, an abhorrent assault took place against a Tampa Bay fan at the conclusion of the game — followed by a second assault against an individual who bravely intervened,” the statement reads.
“First, we ensured the victims received appropriate medical care and have followed up to provide support from our guest services team. Equally important, we are cooperating fully with law enforcement as this is now a criminal matter. The assailant will also be banned from The Garden and all other MSG venues for life.
“All guests — no matter what team they support — should feel safe and respected in The Garden. This has and always will be our policy.”
Madison Square Garden Entertainment manages numerous sports and music venues across North America and Europe, including the Radio City Music Hall, the Chicago Theatre, and the proposed MSG Sphere London.