MIAMI (WSVN) - Cellphone video captured a fight and rough arrest of a Miami Heat fan at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
Miami Police officers were called after receiving reports of a belligerent man causing a disturbance in the crowd, Wednesday night.
Officials said 23-year-old Adrain Mato was asked to calm down and stop yelling but refused to comply.
The video showed the moment two officers pulled Mato out of his seat and tried to put handcuffs on him.
The three were seen tumbling down a row of seats after the man resisted.
“This is just a clear example of someone just not cooperating with our officers, and again, as you see in the video, he was actually given multiple opportunities to leave the premises,” said Miami Police Officer Freddie Cruz.
According to an arrest report, Mato had a strong odor of alcohol and his speech was slurred.
The report went on to state that he elbowed an officer in the stomach during the struggle.
“Everyone is OK. Our officers did receive just minor injuries, some scratches. As you can see, it’s very disturbing, but this could have been a lot worse,” said Cruz.
Mato was charged with battery on a police officer, resisting an officer with violence to his person, disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication.
He appeared in court Thursday morning and told a judge that he was on vacation.
“I’m here on vacation. I arrived on Wednesday and I go back on Sunday,” Mato said through a translator.
The arena is no stranger to fans getting arrested during games.
Back on Jan. 8, 19-year-old Marsel Imer ran onto the court and grabbed the basketball while the game was still going.
He was banned from the AAA for life.
Mato was released from jail after posting a $5,000 bond, Thursday night.
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