Toronto police, Major League Baseball and the Rogers Centre are conducting a security review for upcoming playoff games after raucous fan behaviour saw a man charged and dozens ejected from the Blue Jays game on Wednesday night.
The security review is underway in a bid to prevent some disturbances that erupted in the stands during Game 5 of the American Division League Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers.
In response to a controversial call in the seventh inning, some ticketholders threw litter onto the field, including beer cans. A man was charged after a baby was sprayed by beer from a tossed can.
Toronto Blue Jays VP of Stadium Operations and Security Mario Coutinho said Thursday that police and security staff met briefly to discuss the incident, and will meet again on Friday to create an overall security plan.
“We’ll review everything from alcohol management to overall security,” Coutinho said.
But Coutinho said the rowdy crowd at Wednesday night's game was "not typical," and that the can-throwing was an isolated incident. He is not concerned about a repeat of Wednesday night’s behaviour.
"In fact, last night we heard a lot of fans that were telling people to calm down and just enjoy the game itself," he said.
Coutinho described the crowd as "emotional," saying fans threw popcorn, soft drinks and towels, in addition to beer cans.
Toronto police said a baby was with her mother in the front row at the Rogers Centre on Wednesday, when a can flew over their heads.
"Fortunately the child was not struck by the can, it was more of a spray from the liquid of the can," Toronto Police Sgt. Wendy Drummond said Thursday.
"However, the potential was definitely there and we're very thankful that nobody was seriously injured."
Officers said the man who threw the can was arrested on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning, Toronto Police Const. Caroline de Kloet said the man had been charged with public mischief and interfering with property.
He was later identified as 33-year-old Albert Grummit. He was one of 39 fans ejected from Wednesday’s game.
The controversial call when the game was tied 2-2. Toronto catcher Russell Martin threw a ball toward the pitcher's mound. The ball hit the bat of Texas Rangers' Shin-Soo Choo, who was standing at the plate.
The Rangers' Rougned Odor ran from third base, scoring a run and giving the Rangers a lead in the crucial game.
Martin was given a throwing error, and the ruling was reviewed, but ultimately the play stood. The Jays went on to win the game 6-3, moving on to the American League Championship Series for the first time in more than two decades.
Sgt. Drummond said that while police want fans to have a good time at the games, “safety is paramount.”
She said officers will help reinforce security plans for upcoming playoff games.
"When we have large crowds like these, (our plan) is always fluid. It's always changing, we're always reassessing and putting our resources where we need them at that time."
