The New York Yankees 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 last home game of the year and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion to show,” the team said in a statement. statement. “Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however, the exuberance of supporting a team can never cross the line of 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.”

The play occurred in the bottom of the first when Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres hit a fly ball into foul territory. Betts jumped before hitting the wall to catch it, but two fans grabbed his glove trying to dislodge the ball. One of them held Betts’ arm as he tried to get the ball.

After the game, ESPN Jesse 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 talked about this possible scenario that happens with a foul in the past.

“We always joke about the ball in our zone,” 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 area, we’re going to ‘D’ up. Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do it.”

The referees ruled fan interference on the play and Torres was ruled out. Betts was visibly angry on the field about the situation, but played it down after the game.

“When it comes to the person at stake, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything is fine. We lost the game and that’s what I’m focused on. We have to turn the page and prepare for tomorrow.”

The Yankees were able 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 outcome.

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.