Las Vegas Police are investigating allegations of an altercation that saw a fan strike Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
The incident happened amid celebrations of Arizona’s 29-23 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders after Byron Murphy Jr.’s walk-off touchdown.
The footage was captured by sports anchor Cameron Cox and shows Murray high-fiving front-row spectators at Allegiant Stadium in what appears to be a generally ecstatic crowd.
However, at one point in the video, a man appears to reach out and strike Murray in the face with an open hand.
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Murray looks stunned at the incident but not injured, however, looks to identify the attacker in the sea of celebrating fans.
It’s not entirely clear whether the incident was intentional, however, Las Vegas Police spokesman Larry Hadfield confirmed per Bleacher Report that a battery complaint has been made.
Hadfield did not specifically name Murray but indicated ‘a spectator at the stadium struck a professional football player’.
Fans online appeared to speculate whether the strike had been deliberate.
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One wrote: “100 per cent looked like an accident. Dude even tried to celebrate with Kyler again after hitting him.”
Another said: “These are not intentional hits. Everyone was celebrating. And some arms were flying around trying to grab onto K. Murray.”
A third commented: “Looks intentional AT FIRST, but watch the same guy go back for more and very clearly pat him on the shoulder. I think it was just a poorly timed attempt to congratulate him.”
An investigation is reportedly ongoing with the suspect not yet identified.
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While the celebrations may have been soured for Murray the rest of the team were riding a high in what signalled a huge comeback for the Cardinals.
The Arizona side went into half 20 points down and had not chalked up a single point.
A stunning fourth quarter saw them put 16 unanswered points on the board to take the game into overtime in some thrilling action.
Murphy Jr.’s touchdown sent players and fans alike into raptures across the stadium.
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It was the Cardinals' first win of the season so far.
Topics: American Football, NFL, US Sports, United States, Australia
Jayden Collins