Police Seek Suspects Involved In Geno's Brawl After Winter Classic
By Elizabeth Hur
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Flyers fans and Rangers fans faced off on the streets of South Philadelphia and it was all caught on tape.
Whoever shot the cell phone video initially put it on YouTube, but the clip has since been taken down because it was considered too shocking and violent. Philadelphia police, however, released an edited version of the beating. They say they need the public's help identifying the individuals involved.
According to police, it was a rivalry between Flyers and Rangers fans that led to the brawl.
It happened outside of Geno's Steaks at about 7:15 p.m. on Monday after the Winter Classic hockey game. Police say it began with some Flyers fans stopping a window-washer who happened to be passing by.
Capt. Laurence Nodiff with the Philadelphia Police Department explained, "Gave him a couple bucks and said, 'Hey go over to those Rangers fans and squirt some water in their faces.' Apparently, he goes over and squirts some water and they jump up and the guy runs away."
Police say the opposing fans then got into a verbal argument which quickly escalated to three Flyers fans punching and beating two Rangers fans -- one of them was knocked unconscious.
Bridget Glinski of Ardmore said "I think it's terrible. I think it looks really bad on Philadelphia and our fans. Yes, there's rivalry but it should never come to that."
John Glinski added, "They definitely should be prosecuted. That should not happen whatsoever. It's giving our town a bad name."
Police say the victim suffered a concussion and needed stitches for lacerations on his face. He was treated and is now recovering at home in North Jersey.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police.
