Soon after the San Antonio Spurs beat out the Knicks on Monday night, fans of both teams clashed in the streets of New York City. Videos and images of the post-game events showed several Spurs fans on the receiving end of assaults and harassment following the game at Madison Square Garden. Back in San Antonio, one local restaurant responded.
On Tuesday, June 9, Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant shared an Instagram video of its marquee that plainly read, “No Knicks fans allowed!” The video’s caption provided some insight into whether the restaurant was joking.
“We said what we said. (Just kidding… kind of…),” the business wrote, with a smirking emoji sandwiched in between.
In a message to MySA on social media, an employee of Maria Bonita said, “This message was shared in good fun and with great spirit as we cheer on our team and stand proudly with Spurs fans everywhere. We welcome everyone and want to be clear that we do not condone violence or negative behavior of any kind.”
The video quickly earned more than 62,000 views, over 1,800 likes and 106 comments by Wednesday morning, generating conversation about fan behavior, with more than a handful of people jumping in to defend the New York Knicks.
“The same New York mentality!! Everyone should be allowed! Cheers with respect… It’s just a game,” said one commenter.
Spurs will once again face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, May 10, and players from both teams, along with officials for San Antonio and New York, have expressed their hope for peaceful celebrations, whatever the outcome.
Find it: 350 Northaven Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include an additional statement from the business.