Rangers fan ‘banned for life’ from Madison Square Garden after assaulting Lightning fan
What happened at Madison Square Garden following Game 5 between the Rangers and Lightning? All details on the event here.
The Tampa Bay Lightning had their third consecutive win of the Eastern Conference Final after defeating the New York Rangers 3-1 in Thursday’s Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.
But while the Lightning left with a 3-2 series lead over the Rangers, “the World’s most famous arena” witnessed something quite unfortunate.
What happened at Madison Square garden?
Following Thursday evening’s game, a video came out showing what looked like a Rangers fan throwing a sucker punch at a Lightning supporter, knocking him to the ground, as people were making their way out of the arena.
The “fan” accused of throwing the punch was a 29-year-old Staten Island man, according to ESPN, and has been banned from entering Madison Square Garden “for life.” He was also arrested on two counts of assault, disorderly conduct and harassment after he reportedly attacked another person who seemingly attempted to stop him from leaving the arena after the initial punch.
The Lightning fan is reportedly in stable condition at a hospital, while the second victim rejected medical attention.
Madison Square Garden event: “abhorrent assault”
Madison Square Garden issued an official statement Friday referring to the scenario as an “abhorrent assault.”
“We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as this is now a criminal matter. The assailant will also be banned from The Garden and all other MSG venues for life,” MSG added. “All guests — no matter what team they support — should feel safe and respected in The Garden. This has and always will be our policy.”
Rangers vs Lightning next game
The Lightning left Game 5 with a 3-2 series lead over the Rangers, who could host Game 7 in Manhattan if they avoid elimination on Saturday.