PITTSBURGH Pirates games might have more action off the field than on the field.
A Pirates gameday employee has been suspended for an altercation with a fan on Sunday.
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A fan and the employee got into a fight, resulting in the employee taking his belt off and whipping the fan.
The fight was captured on video by a bystander, and started after the fan and his friend allegedly harassed a female concession employee, according to KDKA Pittsburgh.
The employee in the fight intervened in that harassment and led the fans away from the woman.
Things got heated at that point, with the two parties getting in each other’s faces before the employee threw a punch.
Video of the fight had no audio, so it is unclear what was said before the fight got physical.
After the punches were thrown, the fan spit at the employee while they were standing apart.
This led to the employee taking his belt off and whipping the fan repeatedly.
The Pirates quickly caught wind of the incident and released a statement on Monday revealing that the employee was “immediately suspended” and the fight “is under further investigation.”
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred following the conclusion of yesterday’s game between a PNC Park gameday employee and a guest,” the Pirates said.
“The employee’s behavior was entirely unacceptable, and he was immediately suspended.
“This incident is currently under further investigation.”
The Pirates are reviewing stadium security footage in addition to the bystander’s video.
Pittsburgh Police was on the scene after the fight and is participating in the investigation, according to KDKA.
The Pirates are having a strange start to their season off the field.
On top of this altercation, a fan fell 20 feet from the stands onto the field and broke their neck, back, and collarbone.
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Before that, fans were left furious when an homage to franchise legend Roberto Clemente was removed in favor of an alcohol ad.
On top of the off-field issues, the Pirates are having a miserable season.
They lost Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 and followed it up with a 6-3 loss on Monday.
The Pirates are currently 12-24 on the season, the second-worst record in baseball.
Only the Colorado Rockies are worse at 6-28.