Eight people were arrested and five police officers injured after disorder broke out during an NBA Finals watch party in New York City following the New York Knicks' 111-115 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs.
According to the New York Police Department, a crowd of around 7,000 people gathered at Bryant Park in Manhattan on Monday to watch the game after access to the area outside Madison Square Garden was restricted due to the attendance of President Donald Trump.
Police said the event was largely peaceful but some supporters became disruptive after the Knicks' loss, blocking traffic, refusing to disperse and engaging in violent behaviour.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show some fans climbing light poles, throwing objects at police officers and pulling street signs from the ground.
In a statement, the NYPD described the behaviour as "incredibly reckless", saying the crowd became increasingly rowdy, violent and destructive.
Police said two of the eight arrests were for allegedly assaulting police officers, while 13 other people were issued criminal court summonses.
Authorities have not released details about those arrested or the nature of the injuries suffered by the five officers.
A spokesperson for New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the overwhelming majority of fans watched the game peacefully.
However, spokesperson Sam Raskin said fights and other disruptive incidents, including assaults on police officers, were unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said he had not heard about the incidents but stressed that sport should never lead to violence.
He said people should remember that basketball is only a game and that while passion is important, respect for others must come first.
Source: stuff.co.nz
Source: stuff.co.nz
City officials and police have not confirmed whether another public watch party will be held when the Knicks host the Spurs for Game Four of the series on Wednesday.
