The New York Yankees have banned fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in Game 4 from attending Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night.

“Tonight marks the final home game of the year, and we want every ounce of passion from our fans to be on display,” the team said in a statement. statement. “Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but the exuberance of supporting your team can never cross the line and intentionally put players in physical danger.

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

The play occurred late in the first half when Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres hit a ball into foul territory. Betts jumped before hitting the wall to catch the ball, but two fans grabbed his glove to try to dislodge the ball. One of them held Betts’ arm while trying to force the ball out.

After the match, ESPN Jesse Rogers spoke to the fan who was holding Betts’ arm. The fan, Austin Capobianco, is a Yankees season ticket holder and said he and the other fan, John Peter, have talked about this potential scenario happening with a foul ball in the past.

“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco, 38, said at a local bar after the game. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our zone, we’re going to move up to ‘D’. Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We’re ready to do it. do this.”

The referees ruled fan interference on the play and Torres was ejected. Betts was visibly angry on the court about the situation, but he downplayed it 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 .”

The Yankees managed to keep their season alive for at least one more game with an 11-4 victory over the Dodgers in Game 4. Wednesday’s game will be the last at Yankee Stadium for the 2024 season, regardless of the result.

If the Yankees win Game 5, the series will return to Los Angeles for at least one more game. The Dodgers can win their second World Series title in the last five seasons with one more victory.