The New York Knicks have banned a fan from Madison Square Garden after they spat on Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young.
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia 76ers have also barred a spectator from attending games following the incident which saw Russell Westbrook get popcorn poured over his head.
Throwing popcorn at someone while they're injured is pretty poor behaviour by any standards, but spitting at someone - well, that's just disgraceful.
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And the fan involved will be thanking their lucky stars that it was only a ban they copped with initial reports suggesting police action could also be taken following the assault.
It's understood Young has chosen not to press charges though.
Video surfaced online showing a Knicks fan spitting at Young as he was waiting to make his way onto the court in the fourth quarter.
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Young and the New York fans have been going back and forth with each other throughout the series, but that's absolutely no excuse for the behaviour on display by this one supporter.
Now the spitting fan's actions have landed them in hot water with authorities, with the Knicks wasting no time in indefinitely barring the person from future NBA games at MSG before issuing a public apology to Young and the Hawks.
"We investigated the matter and determined that this patron, who is not a season ticket holder, did indeed spit on Trae Young, and for that reason, he is now banned from The Garden indefinitely," the Knicks said.
"We apologise to Trae and the entire Atlanta Hawks organisation for this fan's behaviour."
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Speaking after his side's 101-92 loss, Hawks coach Nate McMillan was made aware of the incident and insisted that the unwarranted disrespect shown towards players - whether it's an NBA veteran like Westbrook or a future star like Young - has to stop.
"We're just living in a society where people don't have respect anymore," McMillan said.
"In no way should that be allowed, or should that happen, at a sporting event or really any event... I think New York did what it should have done in that situation. It's uncalled for."
Both the Knicks and the Sixers have chosen to keep the identities of the two individuals under wraps.
The NBA also weighed in on the issue, adding that the return of live crowds doesn't give fans a reason to treat players like this.
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The NBA released a statement, saying: "The return of more NBA fans to our arenas has brought great excitement and energy to the start of the playoffs, but it is critical that we all show respect for players, officials and our fellow fans."
Featured Image Credit: Twitter
