A Rangers fan has been issued a lifetime ban from Madison Square Garden after an incident following New York's Game 5 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday night.
The fan, who has reportedly been identified as James Anastasio, 29 of Staten Island, sucker-punched a Lightning supporter as the crowd was leaving MSG. The attack was caught on camera and posted online.
Fight at MSG #NYR #NoQuitInNY #Fights #TampaBay pic.twitter.com/xxL9oD1if1
— Scott Kaplan (@ScottKaplanOn) June 10, 2022
According to the New York Police Department, in Anastasio's attempt to flee the scene, he also hit someone else who was trying to stop him from leaving the stadium.
As a result of his actions, Anastasio's has been suspended for life from Madison Square Garden, in addition to any other MSG venues. The statement released from the venue called it an "abhorrent assault."
— MSG (@TheGarden) June 10, 2022
Anastasio has since reportedly been charged with two counts of assault, two counts of disorderly conduct and two counts of harassment.
CONFIRMING
— Evan Axelbank Fox13 (@EvanAxelbank) June 10, 2022
Perp James Anastasio, 29 of Staten Island, was ARRESTED and charged with 2 counts of assault, 2 counts of disorderly conduct, and 2 counts of harassment
The victim refused medical attention at the scene, so hopefully that means he is OK!!! https://t.co/QOyhfE2K8R
CONFIRMED: @NYPDnews says the Rangers fan James Anastasio, 29 was arrested.
— Liz Crawford WTSP (@LizCrawfordWTSP) June 10, 2022
Police say as Anastasio ran away, a witness tried to stop him and Anastasio then punched the witness too. Witness refused medical attention. Lightning fan is considered stable. https://t.co/uERit1WV7U
The first victim is reportedly in stable condition after being taken to the hospital following the attack. The second refused medical help, a sign that they were OK and did not need to receive treatment from a hospital.
MORE: When does the Stanley Cup Final start?
The Lightning took a 3-2 series lead on Thursday thanks to a late goal in the third period by Ondrej Palat to break a 1-1 tie. Brandon Hagel sealed the victory with an empty-net tally, making it a 3-1 final score.
Game 6 is set for Saturday, June 11, with Tampa Bay having a chance at clinching its third consecutive finals appearance. If the club grabs the win, it will face the Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final.
New York is aiming to force a Game 7 and complete its third series comeback of the 2022 playoffs. If the Rangers win Saturday, Game 7 would be played at MSG on Tuesday, June 14.
Puck drop for Game 6 will be at 8 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the action on ESPN in the United States, or on Sportsnet in Canada.
