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

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

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

The action took place in the bottom of the first inning when Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres hit a fly ball into foul territory. Betts jumped before hitting the wall to make the catch, but two fans grabbed his glove in an attempt to dislodge the ball. One of them held Betts’ arm as he tried to get the ball out.

After the game ESPN’s Yes Rogers spoke to the fan holding Betts’ arm. The fan, Austin Capobianco, is a Yankees season ticket holder and said he and the other fan, John Peter, have discussed this possible foul ball scenario in the past.

“In our area we always joke about the ball,” said 38-year-old Capobianco after the match in a local bar. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’ll go to a ‘D’. Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do that.” this.”

The referees ruled that there had been fan interference in the game and Torres was excluded. Betts was visibly angry about the situation on the field, but played it down after the game.

“When it comes to the person in the game, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It doesn’t matter. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s fine. We lost the game and I’m kind of focused on that. We have to turn the page and get ready 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 of the 2024 season, regardless of the outcome.

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