The viral video that shows a disgruntled New York Rangers fan walloping an unsuspecting Tampa Bay Lightning fan in the face so hard that the individual fell to the ground has been banned from Madison Square Garden for life.
This comes hours after the 29-year old individual was arrested by New York City police. According to News Channel 4 WNBC, the suspect is named James Anastasio of Staten Island. He faces two counts each of assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.
Madison Square Garden posted a message calling the incident “abhorrent assault.”
“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,” MSG said in a statement.
CONFIRMED: @NYPDnews says the Rangers fan James Anastasio, 29 was arrested.
— Liz Crawford WTSP (@LizCrawfordWTSP) June 10, 2022
Police say as Anastasio ran away, a witness tried to stop him and Anastasio then punched the witness too. Witness refused medical attention. Lightning fan is considered stable. https://t.co/uERit1WV7U