A fan who attempted to slide down the side railing of the 300 deck at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, only to topple backwards and land on a fan in the 200 level, has fallen out of favor with the hometown Bills. As a result of his actions Sunday, the fan has been banned from the stadium.
As reported by the Associated Press, Bills president and chief executive Russ Brandon called the fallen fan's behavior irresponsible and in violation of the fan code of conduct. "This individual will not be permitted back into Ralph Wilson Stadium," Brandon said in a statement.
The fan fell 30 feet onto the neck and shoulders of a man seated in the level below. You can see the fall captured on video above. (Warning: Some may consider the footage to be graphic.) According to a witness, the falling man ultimately came to rest two rows lower than the individual he struck, got up and said he was okay. Security officials then kept him from leaving. Charges are possible.
Both men were treated onsite and taken to a hospital, where they received additional treatment before being released.
The Bills lease Ralph Wilson Stadium from Erie County. On Monday, county executive Poloncarz supported the team's ban by stating the fan "has shown that he is a danger to himself and others."
"Yesterday's reckless and dangerous incident at Ralph Wilson Stadium is an example of the type of behavior that gives Buffalo a bad reputation and that can never be tolerated, dismissed or accepted," Poloncarz said, according to the AP.
The Buffalo incident was yet another addition to a string of falls from upper decks in recent years. Causes have varied from accident. This latest one appears to fall under the category of sheer stupidity.
