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Video Captures Philly Fans Beating Off-Duty Cop & Former Marine After Hockey Game

Jan. 6, 2012 9:35am Buck Sexton

The home team didn’t win, and it appears some Philly fans lashed out at the nearest guy in a Ranger’s jersey, sending him to the hospital.

After the New York Rangers’ 3-2 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, fans of the losing squad got into a brawl with celebrating New York Rangers supporters.

Judging by the video released of the incident, some Philly fans attacked a couple of New York supporters outside of a famous cheesesteak shop, Geno’s, just a few miles from the site of the Flyers vs. Rangers game.

Watch the melee unfold below:

The Philadelphia Police Department released the video above, which shows three men clad in Flyers jerseys brutally beating two men in Rangers jerseys. Three Philly thugs allegedly continued to assault the two Rangers fans after they hit the pavement and couldn’t defend themselves.

According to the Daily News , one of the victims is Neal Auricchio, a police officer from Woodbridge, N.J. and former Marine sergeant, who served two tours in Iraq and who was wounded by a bullet during his first tour.

After the beating outside Geno’s Steakhouse, Auricchio was hospitalized, received stitches, and has since been released.

“Some guys wanted to start trouble, and they picked on him,” Marie Auricchio told the Daily News. “He [Neal] got those tickets as a Christmas present, and this is what happened. They were targeted.”

Philadelphia police said the fight began after the Flyers fans paid a squeegee man to spray the Rangers fans. That led to an exchange of words, then the hooligans commenced their assault.

On Wednesday, the police department issued a statement on the assault and said they’re seeking help in finding the suspects which reads:

“On January 2, 2012, at 7:15pm, three unknown males wearing Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys assaulted two males while at Geno’s Steaks located at 1200 South 9th Street. The assault began after the Winter Classic hockey event and the male victims were wearing New York Rangers jerseys. During the altercation one of the victims were seriously injured.”

According to Huffington Post, police in Philadelphia may have a strong lead in the case already because one of the alleged attackers wrote a rant on his Facebook page about the beating that even bragged about the encounter.

“It was me and my friends, do something about it,” Edward Neary bragged, per the Daily News. “How dumb do I look knocking someone out pretty sure they look dumb eatin concrete.” According to the News report, Neary later backed off his comments.

No arrests have been made as of Friday morning.

(H/T: HuffPo, Daily News)

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Comments (88)

poster
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:58am
I stopped going to live sporting events. It’s either a guy sitting in front of you smoking (yeah, I know it’s not permitted), or guys sitting near you using foul language (great if your kids are with you), people just flat-out drunk throwing up near you, wading through the “tail-gaters” near the stadium (already drunk at 10AM). I’ve had enough. I just keep my $150 per ticket and take the family out for a nice dinner, and watch the game on TV.

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OklahomaBound
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:57am
Neither my brother or I are from Philly, but my brother is a Flyers fan. Before the game, which we watched on TV, I mentioned how I thought Philly fans were the worst fans in the country, thugs, sore losers and people who consistently boo their own teams when they don’t play well. I told him even NY fans and Raider fans in SD were not as bad as Philly fans. He disagreed. I gave him an example of what I was talking about when I told him about this story last night. Vindicated by Philly fans once again, stay classy Philadelphia.

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- Timsincali
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:05am
  No crime was committed here except perhaps disturbing the peace. OK, I am a former “X” and also a former “X” and so what?!?! Just because I served does not make someone fighting with me “more guilty” of an alleged crime as I. Lastly… WTF?!?!?! If cops in Philly want to bust some perps, go after ALL of those “YOUTHS” ( I can’t say black punks) who are racially profiling “non-youths” and murdering and assaulting them. This should be a non story. Probably some drunk hockey fans letting off steam after being under the intense pressure of living in an obamanation filled with “youths.”
  
  Report this comment
- HoggKilla
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:42pm
  Sucker punching… 3 on 2… What a bunch of cowards. Come down to my neck of the woods and try that crap.
  
  Report this comment
- Rowgue
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:53pm
  Sorry clueless. At the very least felony assault was committed. If they were caught they would almost certainly be charged with mob action charges and possibly several others as well.
  
  Report this comment
- IAMIR
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 1:15pm
  I am from the Philly area. I was at the game. While most of the NY Fans were ok there were quite a few there who were completely obnoxious. Case in point section 147 is where my seats were. It was a NY fan being escorted out of CB Park because he and his buddy were out of control. That was in the 3rd period. I actually moved because of these two idiots. Be very careful as to what this video is displaying. I don’t care if this guy was a cop or marine. My bet is there is a whole lot more to this story than what is being told. Kinda like the OWS and police using pepper spray on college students. Did you happen to see THE REST OF THE STORY? Now are Philly fans idiots. 99% are not. However and unfortunately you hear about the 1 individual out of a thousand who acted out. Most of us are civilized.
  
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- Ari Ben TZion
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 1:24pm
  This is the type of ‘Banana Republic’ our nation is turning into.
  
  Soon America will be just another hell-hole like Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, South Africa, etc.
  
  Report this comment
- TexasHunter
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 2:11pm
  @HOGGKILLA Please let me know if you are in Texas. I would like to do some Hog Hunting. Our Ranch does not have any as of yet.
  
  Report this comment
- Ghandi was a Republican
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 2:37pm
  I’ve seen a stadium full of Eagles fans boo the half time high school band… Pitiful..
  
  Report this comment
- HoggKilla
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 3:05pm
  @TEXASHUNTER – I’m in FL next to Everglades. In time, they’ll find you. They started hitting my place about 7 years ago. Running 4 feeders, perm stands and golf carts. Been Killin ever since. Prior to that… it was rare to see around my prop.
  
  Report this comment
- LeeroyJenkins
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:15pm
  As a former cop or marine basic self defense should easily handle that situation. Are we training softies in the blue and in the camo also? Come to my school and you will learn to beat 5 people single handedly in 2 minutes or less with little or no damage done to yourself. That being said some people have a real chance of being killed by your hands. Even more fair I will say you will be the baddest man walking your block and any hand to hand situation will only leave you perplexed as to how you are so flipping bad. If you want a sample of my teachers videos YouTube Paul mills American Kenpo Karate.
  
  Report this comment
- cosette
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:03pm
  The degree of uncivility displayed by so many Philadelphia residents never ceases to amaze me. From the brutality of the flash mob hoards of black teens and the notorious uncouth behavior of the sports “fans”, to their latest dubious accomplishment of being named the crime capitol of the U.S. If the good lord were to give PA. an enema this is where he’d stick the hose.
  
  Report this comment
- CEM
  Posted on January 7, 2012 at 1:45pm
  Assault and battery is crime anywhere I know of, Timsincali..!! The three thugs belong in jail.
  
  Report this comment
- Secret Squirrel
  Posted on January 8, 2012 at 10:27am
  .
  Philly: A city that makes Detroit look like Monaco.
  
  Report this comment
your sensei
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:50am
A cop and a Marine got the crap beat out of them by a couple of drunk hockey fans. Where’s your Moses now, eh?

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- MADDRICK99
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:09am
  let me sucker punch your dumb a** and lets see how you do. Three on one??? Wow, real gents here. Hope they get a** rap*d in the pokey.
  
  Report this comment
- BetterDays
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:49am
  @senseless
  Word has it that after beating your face, the ugly stick retired have achieved perfection.
  Your mother told me she’s soo proud of her son, “he’s perfect !” I replied, “I’ve never seen one without hemeroids before.”.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:12pm
  “Where’s your Moses now?” What are you even babbling about?
  
  Report this comment
- politicojim
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 3:17pm
  wow….typical progressive….tries to determine what the story is about, and FAILS at predicting behavior. If you would actually READ the story, you’d realize that the “cop” is a “veteran” of the “armed forces” in which, Officer Auricchio served as a “Marine” ….get it? I believe he was there with his wife, Maria? …he was there because he received the tickets as a gift…..any of this ringing any bells, inside that ever so empty phu*qing nut shell of a head that is resting on that path*etic body of yours?
  
  I understand that society enabled your poor attitude, and needy persona; but this is the Blaze, phool….. wake up, and wait….”where’s your Moses, now?” So, you’re now being a anti-Semite? Moses was Jewish, errr a Hebrew raised by Muslims….well, Egyptians, more precisely. So, I guess you’re trying to alienate yourself…. you’re just pathetic….in my opinion.
  
  Also, I believe the OFF DUTY “COP” was there with his wife, Maria. Not sure if she’s a Marine, too.
  
  ~
  
  Report this comment
SgtB
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:49am
Stupid sports fans. People who are so into sports and teams that they will fight over it are the dregs of society, no matter what other organizations they belong to. It is one thing to enjoy a game. It is an entirely different thing to be a dumb wannabe jock.

The more of these idiots that we have in the US means the less actual men we have who pay attention to the things in life that really matter.

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Mountain Dew
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:47am
Ok I’m feeling petty today. So here is petty gritpe number one. What in the hell does being an off duy cop or former marine have to do with what happened in this video? Petty gripe number two. Assault? What I saw in the video were two idiots chest thumping and doing the “F— you!” “No f— you!” Shove, push, then finally swing. This isn’t news and it barely qualifies as a crime in view. Desperate for a story Blaze?

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- Wolf
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:54pm
  But… but… but… it happened in the city of Brotherly Love! That has to be great news- really: where else in the country would you expect this to happen before Philly? Wow, I am totally amazed that something like this really goes on in our country, let alone… Philly. I’m… I’m… speechless!
  
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cessna152
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:46am
I live in Philly and have witnessed this BS first hand. It is worse at the Eagle’s games and therefore I stopped going to them. Most Philadelphia fans like to joke about other teams and most joke back in good fun. I really think there is part of the story missing. At times I would joke with fans wearing the other team’s jersey and they usually joke back in good fun. However, once in a blue moon you’ll joke with someone and they’ll say “F-U” at that point I back off. Possibly this happened to the wrong guy at the wrong place and time.

Either way it is STUPID for this BS!

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anniebsings
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:44am
that’s Philly fans for you – sorry to say. the baseball fans are the worst as well.

and YES, these type jerks come in all sizes and shapes and teams, but Philadelphia fans are the worst in my experience!

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texasfireguy
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:42am
When I was in the military, I served with guys from all over. The biggest bunch of a-holes were consistently from the NE coast and the worst of that group were the guys from Philadelphia. They were consistently loud, obnoxious, and would always travel in packs. They were also the most racist people I have ever met in my life.even the guys from the deep south were saying, ‘those guts are racist’.

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- Ruler4You
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:45am
  I think the BHO Army, “IS” about ready to deploy.
  
  Report this comment
- texasfireguy
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:53am
  ‘those GUYS are racist’ is what I meant. Dang fat fingers.
  
  Report this comment
Uechi
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:40am
Just one more reason to legally carry a firearm.

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- SgtB
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:57am
  Since you say “legally”, please explain at what point in time it becomes illegal for a person to exercise their human right to self defense. You see, I have this notion that alot of people confuse a natural human right for a privilege that people only receive on their own property or worse, inside their locked doors, if even that.
  
  BTW, if I cannot trust another citizen to have a loaded weapon on them without shooting it at someone maliciously, then they should not be allowed in society. And this mistrust should only come from their prior actions. So if someone shoots or stabs someone and it isn’t in self defense, there should not be any of this BS where they get to come back into society. And for people who do get to come back into society after paying their debt, we should not disavow them of their human right of self defense either. But, then again, these people would not be the ones who have already murdered or raped anyone.
  
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LadyIzShy
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:39am
why do people think they have the RIGHT to beat another person?

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momrules
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:37am
A lot of people in this country are vile and stupid. These “fans” are perfect examples of this.

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SpankDaMonkey
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:29am
.
Well I hope they used a condom………What! Oh, They Beat him up…My Bad Ya’ll…….

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- ProbIemSoIver
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:35am
  Yeah, Buck.
  You might want to edit that headline.
  
  Report this comment
Eliasim
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:26am
But of course it really isn’t their fault they have been led to do a criminal thing, and that’s why people should have to be stinking landowners to be qualified to vote for a President. Are you morons seeing the wisdom of the Founder’s yet?

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- Harry Assenback
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:48am
  Dang it! I was hoping you were the one that got a mud hole stomped in them. Oh well………
  
  Report this comment
MsMac
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:20am
I’m a Flyers fan and I’m appalled at the actions of these jerks. With that said, I was at the Winter Classic and saw some Rangers fans also acting like jerks. The Flyers fans involved turned the proverbial other cheek but you won’t see a report on that. Emotions were high. That does not justifiy putting someone in the hospital.

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- academica2020
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:54am
  This behavior exists at all venues between arch rivals. Look at the Yankees – Red Sox rivalry, there are altercations at both venues. Many are tame, some are serious, booze is usually the grease that frees the wheel. Regardless, it is just a sport and does not justify beating the crap out of someone. If Rangers fans were instigating fights at the Winter Classic, shame on them. The Flyers fans should and could be gracious hosts and ignore them, as should anyone at any venue who encounters fans of competing teams who act like jerks…
  
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Biddle
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:14am
Ah just as in the days of Noah, where violence runs rampant! Miranatha!!!!

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Gonzo
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:08am
I’m sure somewhere Ben Franklin is beaming with pride for his city.

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Wakeup Maggie
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:07am
No bo 2012

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JLGunner
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:00am
I’m sure all the players on each team were greatful for to these guys defending the honor of both organizations. Minstrels will write songs in their honor.

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badswing
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:54am
from fans that “boo santa claus” and have a court system in their football stadium (at least the old one did), how can anyone be surprised.

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- GeneTracy
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:41am
  That is absolutely correct.The old Veterans stadium had a courtroom in the basement area.The city of Philadelphia installed a municipal county judge to preside over “Eagle court”.Interestingly,this judge later went on and now serves on the Penn.Supreme Court.Philly is noted for their passionate and unruly,rowdy fans.(of course there are great decent fans in Philly as well)Philadelphia Flyer fans are just as passionate about hockey as Detroit Redwing fans are.That said,this goes way beyond any kind of sportsmanship and should never be tolerated.It just gives the fans,teams,and the cities a blackeye.Literally and figuratively.
  
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Darla_K
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:52am
This is ridiculous. If your team gets its oss kicked big deal. Can’t you control yourself? These thugs need to be made examples of and I hope they get caught and made examples of. I feel bad for the guys who got whooped on.

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- grandmaof5
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:17am
  Seems like they should have beaten the guys who lost the game, not the ones watching. They must be as dumb and misguided as the ‘occupy those not responsible’ losers.
  
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Harry Assenback
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:51am
Looks like everyone involved was ready to fight. Just because you get punched in the nose and lose doesn’t mean you get to file charges. If the tables were turned would the guys who lost be charged for winning? Take your **** kicking and move on.

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- 13th Imam
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:59am
  Or bring your service revolver and stop the fight immediatly
  
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- academica2020
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:12am
  So, according to your point of view, assaulting someone or “**** kicking” them, to the point where they are seriously injured, is just deserts for supporting an opposing team in your city. Didn’t the situation that happened between the SF Giants fans and the Dodgers fan send a message. That guy has permanent brain damage. Hockey is a very rough sport and many fans love the “**** kicking”. But, the guys on the ice are wearing equipment and, as of recently, can be charged if their on ice fights lead to serious injury. Last time I checked, beating someone senseless is not justified because you are peeved that your team lost.
  
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- Harry Assenback
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:45am
  Good point…….that’s why I have concealed weapons permit.
  
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- Harry Assenback
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:58am
  That’s not what I’m saying at all dope. Read my comment again. It appears both sides engaged in a fight willingly. Until you and I learn all the facts….it is opinion. If you look closely one guy took off his jacket and the other stood there and was ready to go. Actions on both sides have consequences. Both sides could have walked away but they didn’t. Nice try though.
  
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randy
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:47am
Their numbers are on the back of their jerseys, so should be easy to find these guys LOL

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Hephzibah
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:44am
Had to re-read that headline a couple of times before getting it right.

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- qpwillie
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:52am
  ROTFL!!
  Yeah, I even went and tried to look up what a “duty cop” was.
  
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- Bobby P
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:56am
  I was gonna quit my job and become a “duty cop”
  
  Report this comment
- SemySweet
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:59am
  Me too, Heph… lol
  A cop without a CCL? Perhaps not one of our best and “brightest”.
  Had he been carrying; this would have been a whole different headline.
  
  Report this comment
- NickyLouse
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:00pm
  At least they didn’t get jacked.
  
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teddrunk
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:41am
Hmmm…sports fans from Philly being d bags. Gee, what a shock

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- ozchambers
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:51am
  Philly fans are the biggest dbag fans in the US. It’s ridiculous that you cant even go to a professional sporting event in Philadelphia and wear an opposing team’s jersey without loser aholes using it as a reason for harassment and violence.
  
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- let us prey
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:01am
  tedd
  True cowards. Disgusting.
  
  Report this comment
democritusoilder267
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:41am
I can never understand how people can act like this. As a fan of sports I can care less if my favorite team lost. Everyone or every team wins or loses. Hope this Marine has a speedy recovery. God bless.

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- kentuckypatriot
  Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:41am
  Great post. Unfortunately, it seems the philly fans are a bunch of sore losers.
  
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