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Madison Square Garden releases statement following assault after Game 5; banning fan for life

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Cooper Godin
June 10, 2022  (3:10 PM)
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Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Rangers, have released a statement in regards to the violent assault that took place following Game 5 on Thursday night.

In their statement, they said that the fan, later identified as 29-year-old James Anastasio, is now banned for life from The Garden and other MSG venues.

Part of the statement read, "First, we ensure the victims received appropriate medical care and have followed up to provide support from our guest services team. Equally important, we are cooperating fully with law enforcement as this is now a criminal matter. The assailant will also be banned from The Garden and all other MSG venues for life."

In assault occurred after Game 5 concluded last night. A Lightning fan was leaving the arena along with tons of other fans, when Anastasio sucker punched him, knocking him out. The Lightning fan was taken to hospital and as of Friday morning is in stable condition.

Another fan tried confronting Anastasio, but he was punched as well and refused medical treatment.

The New York Police Department announced on Friday morning that they have arrested James Anastasio and charged him with two counts of assault, two counts of disorderly conduct and two counts of harassment.

Related: POLICE ARREST, IDENTIFY SUSPECT AFTER BRUTAL SUCKER PUNCH FOLLOWING GAME 5 OF THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL.