NEW YORK – The Yankees fan who interfered with a catch by Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during Tuesday’s World Series game told the Times he was simply “too passionate” and “probably crossed the line.”

Austin Capobianco, a 38-year-old Connecticut fan, was banned from attending Game 5 in the Bronx on Wednesday for grabbing Betts’ glove and appearing to twist the player’s wrist after Betts reached into the stands to catch a foul ball hit by Gleyber Torres. . Capobianco said he was trying to steal the ball from Betts to help his favorite team.

“I’m an overly passionate fan who probably crossed the finish line last night,” Capobianco said in a text message to the Times. “All I wanted to do was prevent this from being an outcome.”

His efforts and those of a second fan caused the ball to pop out of Betts’ glove, but Torres was still removed due to interference.

In a post-match interview with ESPN, Capobianco said his actions and those of his table neighbor, John Peter, were premeditated.

“We always joke about ball in our area,” ESPN quoted the season ticket holder as saying. “If it’s in our area, we’ll move up to ‘D’. Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We are ready to do it.

In texts with the Times, the self-proclaimed superfan said he exchanged no words with the Dodgers outfielder and denied using racial epithets for Betts. He said some people had accused him of using racial slurs.

Capobianco also praised Betts as a player.

“He is so good and the play he made was impressive. World Series juice and desperation kicked in and this is the result,” Capobianco said.

If the Yankees had walked the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman instead of allowing a two-run homer in the top half of that inning, Capobianco added, it might have changed “his attitude or his thought process during that game, but then again , maybe not. »

In a statement, the Yankees said Capobianco and a second fan who interfered with Betts would not be allowed into the stadium “in any capacity” for Game 5 on Wednesday. “The safety and security of players, fans and stadium staff is the fundamental element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised,” the team said.

Capobianco also had a message for his team for the upcoming offseason.

“Sign Soto,” Capobianco wrote.