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 fans “will not be allowed to attend tonight's game in any capacity” and said Tuesday night's incident with Betts was “serious and unacceptable.”
It was not immediately clear whether the sanctions against season-ticket holders Austin Capobianco and John Peters would apply to any games at Yankee Stadium next season, a source told ESPN's Jesse Rogers earlier Wednesday.
“The safety of the players, fans and stadium employees is a fundamental element of every event held at Yankee Stadium and cannot be compromised,” the Yankees said in a statement.
“Tonight is the final home game of the year, and we want every ounce of our fans' passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, although the excitement of supporting one's team never intentionally diminishes the players. Cannot exceed the limit of involving physical risk.”
Capobianco told Rogers that the Yankees, who refunded him the cost of Game 5 tickets, 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 season tickets.”
Capobianco and Peters were ejected for taking the ball out of Bates' glove after the Dodgers right fielder jumped in the first inning.
Bates jumped over the wall along the right field line in foul territory and caught Gleyber Torres' popup on the opening play. Capobianco, sitting in the first row and wearing a gray Yankees road jersey, grabbed Bates' glove with both hands and pulled the ball out, while Peters grabbed Bates' ungloved hand by the wrist.
Bates reacted angrily, and Torres was immediately called out upon fan interference.
“When it comes to the guy in the game, it doesn't matter,” Bates said after the Yankees swept the series with an 11–4 victory. “We lost. It's irrelevant. I'm fine. He's fine. Everything's good. We lost the game and that's what I'm focused on.”
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.