The Cleveland Browns have identified and plan to ban a fan who threw a bottle that struck team owner Jimmy Haslam late in Sunday’s 31-30 loss to the New York Jets, per sources.
Haslam was walking toward the Browns’ tunnel moments after Jets rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson’s game-tying touchdown when the bottle hit Haslam in the leg. Haslam stopped and immediately began to point in the direction of someone in the stands.
Video from inside the stadium helped the team identify the fan, who is expected to be banned from attending Browns games at FirstEnergy Stadium.
“Fan, player and staff safety is the top priority in our building and behavior that puts others in danger will not be tolerated," the Browns said in a statement on Tuesday. "Luckily no one was harmed in this incident and as a standard practice, we’ve cooperated with law enforcement authorities and security video footage of the object being thrown is in the appropriate hands. We will have no further comment on this matter.”
Per a Cleveland Police report, the suspect "appeared to be intoxicated" as he was leaving the stadium. The suspect is facing three charges: misdemeanor assault, failure to comply with a lawful order and disorderly conduct.
It was one of two potentially dangerous incidents involving fans that occurred at NFL stadiums on Sunday.
Police in Las Vegas said Monday they're investigating allegations that a fan in the stands struck Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray amid celebrations of Arizona's 29-23 overtime victory over the Raiders.
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