Open Thread: A shame for any fan

So, when visiting Qualcomm Stadium, only show enthusiasm for the home team, or else.

Thanks to Jamal G for sending this in.

There’s clearly a cut in action, between the fan cheering and the police overwhelming him, but from all appearances he did nothing but cheer on his team. Other people around him, all Chargers fans it appears, say he did nothing. Towards the end you can see his girlfriend taking down contact information from the people sitting behind him. I suppose they were gracious enough to offer testimony, if it comes to that.

I post this mainly because I’ve noticed a similar trend in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium. Fans will zone in on a particular fan, usually one wearing Red Sox gear, or sometimes the opposing team’s gear, and taunt him throughout the game. Eventually, the fan being taunted will do something back, signaling for the fans to bring it on or something like that, and then face ejection. Unless I’m missing something when this goes on, it appears security will eject fans peremptorily, as to avoid any potential conflicts.

Is it right? I say no. There’s no reason to eject someone for merely cheering on his own team. If he taunts other fans, then there might be a case. But what if his taunts were provoked by other taunters? I dunno. Every fan should get fair warning if they’re about to cross a line. I wonder if the cops gave this Jets fan a warning before detaining him.

Anyway, use this as your open thread. There’s not much going on in local sports tonight. The Devils already lost to the Islanders, the Knicks already beat the Pistons, and the Clippers already beat the Nets. For those interested in Big East hoops, Syracuse plays Notre Dame in South Bend at 7 on ESPN.