Madison Square Garden warns anyone fighting can be ‘banned for life’ after brawls
NEW YORK — Madison Square Garden Cracks Down on Violence at Events
Madison Square Garden has issued a stern warning to attendees, stating that anyone involved in fighting at the arena will face a lifetime ban. This decision comes after multiple altercations occurred at a recent event held at the iconic venue.
Video footage captured by TMZ.com showed two separate fights breaking out during a weigh-in event for a boxing card headlined by Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson. One of the altercations occurred near the stage where Bill Haney, father of boxer Devin Haney, was being interviewed.
In response to the incidents, Madison Square Garden released a statement emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards violence at all types of events held at the venue, including boxing matches, hockey games, basketball games, concerts, and special events. The statement warned that anyone found engaging in violent behavior, whether a participant or a spectator, will be permanently banned from attending or participating in any future events at the venue.
Tensions had been brewing prior to the event, as the press conference for the Lopez-Stevenson title fight saw heated exchanges between the fighters on stage, including insults about family members. Audience members also joined in, adding to the escalating atmosphere.
This is not the first instance of violence at Madison Square Garden, as a previous altercation occurred during a UFC event hosted at the venue on Nov. 15.
The timing of this crackdown coincides with a busy weekend at the arena, with a sold-out boxing event scheduled and the highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks set to take place on Sunday. The game, which may potentially be LeBron James’ final appearance at the arena, will be nationally televised.
