The incident after Sunday’s game followed what the team said was “a verbal altercation” between two fans and a female food and beverage worker.

The fan wobbles away but takes off his jacket and goads the employee to fight before spitting on the employee at least twice. At that point, the employee takes off his belt and begins whipping the fan, who frantically backs away while others intervene. On Monday, the Pirates told KDKA that the employee had been suspended.

A violent altercation at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, has sparked widespread controversy and support on social media after a team employee was suspended for