After Game 3 of the NBA Finals, chaos erupted in Midtown when a group assaulted a San Antonio Spurs fan, stealing his jersey in the process.
The 39-year-old fan was heading back to his hotel just after midnight on Tuesday when he was attacked outside 306 West 47th Street, according to reports from the New York City police.
Social media footage captured the fan in his Spurs jersey attempting to escape as an aggressive crowd closed in on him.
Following a tough loss in the game, he endured punches and kicks, and as the enthusiastic Knicks fans caused a ruckus, they ripped away Tim Duncan’s No. 21 jersey.
Videos from the scene show that he tried to defend himself but was pushed to the ground, where he faced further kicks before fleeing into the street while being pursued.
The footage depicted one individual kicking him as he fled.
Authorities reported that the man sustained cuts and bruises to his face and was taken to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was listed as stable.
The New York City Police Department has released images of six individuals who are being sought in connection with this violent robbery.
Interestingly, while none of the wanted suspects appeared to be wearing Knicks gear, many fans clad in blue and orange were part of the large crowd surrounding the Spurs fans.
Some local residents and Knicks supporters expressed their disapproval of the violent behavior seen in subsequent social media clips.
Overnight, police arrested 21 people on various charges, including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, and resisting arrest, following attempts to manage the thousands of individuals gathered outside a Knicks viewing party at Bryant Park.
In another incident, a group of furious Knicks fans encircled a Spurs supporter in the street and shredded Victor Wembanyama’s jersey.
Five NYPD officers were hurt during the melee, which involved thrown glass objects and damage to property, including bus signs and trees.
The officers also faced fans who climbed on scaffolding, telephone poles, and even a police car, resulting in what police described as “significant damage.”
The investigation into these events is still ongoing.
