Yankees fans banned from Game 5 for interfering with Mookie Betts' catch

Two New York Yankees fans have been banned from Game 5 of the World Series after prying away a foul ball from Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts' glove during Tuesday night’s Game 4.

In a statement Wednesday, the Yankees called the incident “egregious and unacceptable.”

The altercation occurred in the first inning when Betts caught a foul ball off Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres along the right field line.

Video and replays showed the fans, identified as season ticket holder Austin Capobianco and his friend John Peter, grabbing onto Betts' glove and grabbing his free hand as he tried to secure the ball. The umpire immediately ruled Torres out due to fan interference, and stadium security escorted the two men out of Yankee Stadium.

Initially, the fans told ESPN they expected to return for Wednesday’s game, but the Yankees announced they would not be allowed back.

Capobianco told an ESPN reporter that the Yankees refunded him the cost of the tickets for Game 5 and warned him that he would be arrested if he tried to attend the game.

In its statement, the Yankees condemned their fans' actions.

“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the team’s statement read. “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.”

With Game 5 marking the Yankees' final home game of the season, the team urged fans to be on good behavior.

“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 team added. “The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night.”

Despite the incident, Betts appeared unfazed after the game, which the Yankees won 11-4 to force Wednesday’s Game 5. The Dodgers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1.

“When it comes to the first-inning play, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine, everything is cool. We lost the game, and that’s what I’m gonna focus on. We gotta turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”

Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman, however, was less forgiving.

“The guy was trying to yank his glove off and pulled on his wrist, and it looked like he got ejected, which I’m glad he did,” Edman said after the game.