Rangers Fan Arrested, Booked On Assault Charges, After Knocking Out Lightning Fan


A New York Rangers fan has been arrested and booked for six charges after brutally sucker-punching a Tampa Bay Lightning fan following the Rangers’ loss to the Lightning Thursday night in New York.

According to the NYPD, a Good Samaritan witnessed the incident and tried to stop the assailant, who then punched him in the face too.

The man who was knocked unconscious in the first attack is considered to be stable condition, according to the NYPD.

Police and security were able to ultimately locate James Anastasio, 29, of Staten Island while he was still at MSG and arrest him.

Anastasio faces two counts each of assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Update: MSG announced Friday afternoon that Anastasio has been banned from Rangers games for life.

Game 6 takes place in Tampa Bay on Saturday, with the Lightning now just one victory away from a meeting with the Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final.

By Jon Sorensen

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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18 Responses to Rangers Fan Arrested, Booked On Assault Charges, After Knocking Out Lightning Fan

  1. Anonymous says:

    Now THATS a horrifying act of violence

  2. DC Scappeli says:

    Asshole, hope the Rags fan gets jail time. So stupid. At the end of the day, it’s just a game and entertainment. No matter who says what, and I’ve been razzed by Pens and Rags fans too, it ain’t worth throwing fists unless it’s self defense. When I had partial ticket plans to the Caps, the only fights I personally saw were started by Philly fans. Not Pens or Rags or Boston fans, Philly fans. Now THOSE morons need to spend some time in the lovely accommodations of the DC jail. I saw a Caps fan get sucker punched on the concourse at Verizon Center by a Philly fan. Instead of detaining him, security just hustled him out of the arena. Which is bullshit too.

  3. DWGie26 says:

    I went to Winter Classic up in Pittsburg expecting to be harassed and was surprised how welcoming and friendly the fans were. Worst though was going to the old vet. And when eagles fans came to FedEx. those fans are the biggest thugs as a whole, but they exist at every stadium.

  4. Jon Sorensen says:

  5. Brianna says:

    Just why would someone do something like this

  6. Ken P says:

    The Tampa Bay fan probably said something stupid, but no reason to sucker punch somebody, have a good night in jail, hope he can find a good lawyer.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Wow!!! What is your problem. Please remove John’s post

  8. Anonymous says:

    Rags fans are soft cowards .

  9. novafyre says:

    Rangers fans rushed to the aid of the Bolts fan who was sucker punched, Rangers fans got help, Rangers fans pursued the puncher and stopped him from getting away, and one Rangers fan was punched for doing that. So yes, there was a sick (or drunk) Ranger fan, but there were also Rangers fans there who were decent, caring human beings. It would be a great message if the Rangers organization recognized them.

  10. Anonymous says:

    weak ass move,sucker punching xxxxx

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