Sports

25 Unfortunate Times Fans Assaulted Sports Stars

Darren - June 7, 2021
Sports

25 Unfortunate Times Fans Assaulted Sports Stars

Darren - June 7, 2021

Mandatory Credit: Sky Sports

5. Esteban Alvarado – 2011

Alvarado is a massive star in his native Costa Rica. The goalkeeper enjoyed a prosperous career in Europe. He also represented his nation on a number of occasions and featured in their World Cup squad. A fiery personality, he spent his longest spell in Europe with Dutch giants AZ Alkmaar. They played Ajax in a cup game when a fan assaulted him on the field.

Mandatory Credit: Sky Sports

A drunk 19-year-old charged toward him and tried to kick him. But he fell over and didn’t account for Alvarado’s response. The Costa Rican showed no mercy and kicked his would-be-attacker twice as he was on the ground. Then, the referee showed Alvarado a red card. The Alkmaar players walked off the field in protest. In the end, the game was replayed.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

4. UFC Mexico – 2019

Mexican fans have a dubious reputation worldwide. Unfortunately, this is well-earned because there have been a number of unsavory incidents involving them. If things don’t go their athlete or team’s way, they have a tendency to react violently. A case in point was UFC Mexico. Jeremy Stephens received an eye poke from hometown hero Yair Rodriguez.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

It occurred in the opening moments of the first round and Stephens was unable to continue. The referee ruled the fight a no-contest. However, the fans in attendance didn’t like this and assaulted the UFC employees with objects. Security escorted Stephens out of the arena as glass bottles rained down toward his head. In sum, it was shameful.

Mandatory Credit: Bild

3. Schalke – 2021

One of Germany’s best-supported soccer clubs, Schalke maintains a massive fanbase. They were title contenders for a number of seasons before mismanagement ruined them. Then they went into a severe decline and couldn’t afford to invest in the team. After a record losing run, they finally suffered relegation in 2021.

Mandatory Credit: Bild

But this didn’t please their fans at all. In fact, they attacked their own players in the most hilarious manner. After their 21st defeat of the season, fans were waiting to greet the Schalke team bus. They bombarded their team with eggs while also releasing flares and fireworks. Schalke officials condemned the fan reaction but the fans didn’t care.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

2. Mike Piazza – 2007

Piazza played for the Oakland Athletics against the Los Angeles Angels on a hot Wednesday afternoon. The A’s rallied but the heat must have affected one fan who assaulted Piazza. For some reason, he flung a water bottle at the star. It bounced off of Piazza’s helmet and left him in a state of fury. Nobody can blame him for that.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The Pennsylvanian pointed his bat accusingly at the attacker. Later, he confirmed that he planned to press charges. This was because he wanted the fan to spend the night in jail. Anaheim police arrested and booked the offender on assault and battery charges. Ronald Flores enjoyed the hospitality of the county jail for 30 days. In sum, it was what he deserved.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

1. Kyrie Irving – 2021

The Brooklyn Nets took on the Boston Celtics in the 2021 NBA postseason. One of the big storylines from this match-up was Irving’s return to TD Garden. Controversy arose when he appeared to step on the Celtics logo after the game. However, let’s remember that players spent the entire game running over it. In short, it’s really wasn’t that big a deal.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

But one fan didn’t think so and took it upon themselves to assault Irving. They assaulted him by throwing a bottle in his direction. Police immediately arrested the attacker on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon. That’s probably not what they were thinking when they flung a water bottle, but it was good enough.

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