The New York Knicks are just two wins away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. However, the New York Police Department has decided to shut down the rowdy crowds that have been celebrating outside Madison Square Garden.
For the past two games, fans were allowed to attend a watch party held outside the iconic arena, joining thousands of blue-and-orange-clad supporters. But the NYPD has had enough of the behavior displayed by some attendees and has denied Madison Square Garden's permit to host further outdoor events.
According to the New York Post, six people were arrested during Game 2 of the series on Thursday evening. Fans have been causing 'progressively more problematic issues,' leading the NYPD to conclude that they 'will not support more watch parties outside the stadium.'
While hosting parties outside MSG appears to be off the table for now, an NYPD spokesperson told the outlet that they will 'continue to review requests to support parties at alternate sites,' such as Central Park's outdoor amphitheater, Summer Stage.
The scenes outside the Garden have gone viral on social media, showcasing the jubilantly reckless behavior of Knicks fans desperate to see their team win its first title in 53 years. Sports fans have mocked and ridiculed the NYPD on social media for shutting down these events over the actions of what they consider a small fraction of attendees.
'NYPD literally has to ruin everything,' wrote one user on X. Another wondered, 'Why cancel the fun over a handful of arrests?' One comment read, 'Canceled for rowdiness. With the team up 2-0 and on the road? Put the police report in the Louvre.'
'Six of 6,000 is collateral damage man. Give the people the street. It's not even a home game. Idk I'm about the people,' said another user. Others openly questioned what kind of message this sends with the World Cup coming to the city in just 18 days.
'I fully back the NYPD, but this is a serious question for anyone on the force. The World Cup is coming to NYC and they plan on having watch parties in Times Square. If we can't handle a few hundred Knicks fans, how is the Cup going to play out?' one user asked. Another said, 'NYPD CAN'T HANDLE 6 KNICK FAN IMAGINE IF THE WORLD CUP AT TIME SQUARE 42ST ALL HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE I KNOW KNICK FAN STILL GOING COME THEY DON'T GIVE A F***.'
