In banning two Yankees fans from Game 5 of the World Series Wednesday night for aggressively interfering with Dodgers star Mookie Betts in Game 4, the Yankees called the pair’s behavior “egregious and unacceptable.”
The Yankees officially announced the ban Wednesday afternoon after The Post first reported Austin Capobianco and John Peter would be barred from Yankee Stadium for Game 5 after they were ejected for prying a ball from Betts’ glove as he made a catch in the first inning the night before.
“Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious 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 foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.
“Tonight marks the final home game of year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
“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.”
It’s unclear as of Wednesday afternoon whether the ban will extend beyond Game 5, though the fans’ ticket prices for the game will be refunded.
As Betts hit the wall in foul territory down the right-field line to catch a Gleyber Torres flyout, Capobianco, wearing a road gray Yankees jersey, put both hands on Betts’ glove as his friend Peter grabbed Betts’ right wrist before the ball popped out of Betts’ glove.
Torres was promptly called out on fan interference.
Capobianco, 38, told ESPN Tuesday night at a bar near the Stadium after being ejected that he and his friend have thought about what they would do in a similar scenario, and they said they were initially told they’d be allowed back in for Game 5.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco told ESPN. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.
“Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
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Capobianco’s brother, Darren, told The Athletic that “Mookie was swearing” at them, which he said was “not good.”
The Yankees won Game 4, 11-4, to avoid a sweep and force Wednesday’s Game 5.
Should the Bombers win, Game 6 would be played Friday in Los Angeles.
