Scenes turned ugly in the National Lacrosse League over the weekend after the Halifax Thunderbirds’ loss to the Colorado Mammoth in Denver.
After their 19-14 loss, Halifax players were heading back to the tunnel when a fan apparently provoked player Tyson Bell.
In a video posted by a spectator from the stands, fans were seen verbally bashing and waving hand gestures toward the visiting team. While two players ignored the boos, Bell reacted violently.
Without hesitation, Bell walked towards the fans and threw a right hand that hit a square in the face. Instead of fighting back, the caller pulled out his phone and appeared to begin recording as Bell moved the barricade and continued to approach.
The second fan pushed the railing back, causing the player to hit the fan with his stick on the cheek.
Bell’s teammates and security personnel eventually separated him from the fans as they attempted to calm the situation.
Professional lacrosse player Tyson Bell criticized two hecklers in Colorado over the weekend.
After the video gained traction on social media, fans were divided in the comments section. While some argued that the violent response was justified, others alluded to possible assault charges.
“That was an assault with a weapon, there is no place for this thug in sports,” one user wrote.
“Someone is getting a good deal,” another suggested.
“Some fans feel too comfortable saying whatever they want,” argued a third. ‘It’s only a matter of time before players stop taking it. It’s (100%) all the fans’ fault.”
‘I love this. Keyboard warriors in real life. Don’t talk shit if you can’t back it up…. “Very good,” echoed a fourth.
Following the incident, the National Lacrosse League released a statement saying they were “aware of an alleged incident between a player and a spectator following the Halifax-Colorado game on December 21.”
“The league will provide an update after it has completed its investigation.”