Two fans who were ejected from Yankee Stadium in a blatant and bizarre case of fan interference during Game 4 of the World Series will not be allowed to attend what could be the deciding game Wednesday night in New York.

Fans in the first row of seats along the right field foul line could be seen trying to snatch the baseball from Mookie Betts’ glove after he jumped near the wall and caught a ball in territory fouls under the bat of Gleyber Torres of New York. . A fan wearing a Yankees jersey could be seen trying to open Betts’ glove while another wearing sunglasses grabbed the right fielder’s arm.

The ball was eventually released, but Torres was immediately challenged due to fan interference. In a statement released Wednesday, the Yankees called the behavior “blatant and unacceptable physical contact” and said the two fans would not be allowed to attend Game 5 at Yankee Stadium.

“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for flagrant and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the Yankees said in a statement. “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.

“Tonight marks the final home game of the year, and we want every ounce of passion our fans have on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but the exuberance of supporting your team cannot never exceed the players’ intentional finish line.

“The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”

Betts was asked about the play after the game.

“When it comes to the person involved, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s fine. We lost the game and that’s what I’m focusing on. We have to turn the page and prepare for tomorrow .”

ESPN identified one of the fans as a 38-year-old season ticket holder, who said in an interview that he and the fan with him had discussed such a scenario.

Associated Press

“We always joke about the ball in our area,” the fan said in a bar after the match. ESPN reported. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our zone, we’re going to go ‘D.’

“Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We’re ready to do it.”

Associated Press

Associated Press

Associated Press

Associated Press

The unusual scene unfolded in the first inning with the Dodgers leading 2-0 behind another Freddie Freeman home run and on the verge of a World Series sweep, but the The Yankees came back strong to win 11-4.

“Fans were escorted from Yankee Stadium following the incident and ejected,” a team spokesperson said in a statement.

It was just the latest case of fans being involved on the field of play during the postseason and the second involving Torres, who hit a ball in the Dodger Stadium outfield that was caught by a fan who reached over the wall. The play was ruled a double.

Game 2 of the National League Divisional Series was interrupted for several minutes after fans threw a baseball, empty water bottles, trash and other objects onto the outfield.

The Dodgers have a second chance to close out the series in Game 5 Wednesday night in New York. A victory would give the Dodgers their eighth World Series title.