Caught on video: Rangers fan sucker-punches Tampa Bay Lightning fan at Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK - A Rangers fan has been charged with assault and banned from Madison Square Garden for life after being accused of sucker-punching a rival fan moments after the Rangers lost Thursday night's game.
Video of the incident went viral on Twitter.
Fight at MSG #NYR #NoQuitInNY #Fights #TampaBay pic.twitter.com/xxL9oD1if1
— Scott Kaplan (@ScottKaplanOn) June 10, 2022
Police say the two exchanged words before the 26-year-old victim was attacked.
UPDATE 6/11: Rangers fan caught on video sucker-punching Tampa Bay Lightning fan pleads not guilty to assault
Police say the suspect, identified as 29-year-old James Anastasio from Staten Island, also punched a good Samaritan who tried to intervene.
Both victims are OK.
— MSG (@TheGarden) June 10, 2022
Madison Square Garden released a statement saying in part, "All guests -- no matter what team they support -- should feel safe and respected in The Garden. This has and always will be our policy."
Anastasio has been charged with two counts of assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment.