Rangers enthusiast charged in MSG punch experimented with to ‘defuse’ tension: law firm

The Rangers lover charged with knocking the lights out of a Tampa Bay Lightning lover at Madison Square Yard on Thursday evening was truly striving to “defuse and de-escalate” a boozy scenario, his lawyer claims.

“We feel that Garden surveillance will confirm the events which took place promptly prior to the short, viral clip captured on cellphone camera,” said Jason Goldman, a lawyer representing suspect James Anastasio.

Viral movie confirmed the incident in which Anastasio, 29, allegedly sucker-punched a 26-calendar year-old Massachusetts man as they exited the stadium wherever the Rangers fell to Tampa Bay 3-1 during match 5 of the Jap Conference matchup.

The Tampa Bay enthusiast fell backward and hit his head on the tiled floor as shocked supporters surrounded him, the clip demonstrates.

A great Samaritan who witnessed the attack adopted Anastasio in an endeavor to quit him — but Anastasio punched his pursuer in the face much too, police reported.

Soon soon after, the Lightning admirer came to. Madison Square Backyard garden workers treated equally him and the fantastic Samaritan.

Goldman claims Anastasio, a Staten Island resident, was performing in self protection.

Anastasio “repeatedly tried out to defuse and de-escalate the circumstance, one particular where by he was immensely outnumbered and ultimately threatened by a group of extremely intoxicated people,” Goldman mentioned.

Police responding to the scene billed Anastasio with two counts of assault and two counts of harassment.

“While he is anxious for the relaxation of his tale to be revealed, he also trusts and respects the courtroom process,” Goldman stated. “We are self-confident that James will be vindicated when all the details arrive to light.”

Anastasio has been banned from Madison Sq. Back garden and all other MSG venues for lifestyle, Back garden spokeswoman Natalie Ravitz reported.