A 38-year-old Long Island man has been identified as the fan who ran on to the field at Yankee Stadium waving a Palestinian flag during the Yankees-Mets game on Friday night.
Kelly Marcucci was arrested after entering the field in the seventh inning of the Subway Series match, which the Yankees won 6-4. The NYPD said he faces charges of interference with a professional sporting event and trespassing, both misdemeanours.
Marcucci was wearing a baseball jersey bearing the words “No Kings” when he sprinted across the field. Security staff tackled him as spectators chanted “USA! USA!”
The phrase “No Kings” has been adopted by many critics of US President Donald Trump. Before the game, Marcucci had posted comments on Facebook criticising Mr Trump and podcaster Joe Rogan, while also discussing capitalism and alleging a role for Saudi Arabia in the September 11 attacks.
His protest took place during a game held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre, which killed almost 3,000 people.
Yankees ceremony honoured 9/11 victims
The Yankees held a pre-match ceremony in memory of those who died. Members of the club’s 2001 team, including Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Paul O’Neill, Tino Martinez, Scott Brosius and Mariano Rivera, joined former manager Joe Torre on the field in their old pinstriped jerseys.
The former pennant-winning players took part in the tribute alongside servicemen and women, including honour guards from the NYPD, FDNY and PAPD. A giant American flag was unfurled in the outfield during the presentation of colours.
Earlier in the day, Jeter, current Yankees captain Aaron Judge and pitcher Gerrit Cole laid a commemorative wreath beside the 9/11 monument in Monument Park at the stadium.
Marcucci had not immediately responded to a request for comment. His arrest followed the field intrusion during the first game of the Subway Series between the New York rivals.
