Kevin Jukkola's domestic abuse hotline sign got the Astros fan booted from Houston's Minute Maid Park last Saturday.
Jukkola had taken the sign to several games in the past but this time security confiscated it and escorted him from the game, ABC 13 in Houston reported. The sign read: "Houston Domestic Violence Hot Line 713.528.2121."
Jukkola suggested the sign had offended fans in the stands.
“Some people were not happy about it. Some people were supportive. But either way, there was never an usher called,” he explained.
He pointed out that this was the first time security had asked him to hand over the sign.
“I want them to allow me to peacefully protest and not to be removed from the ballpark.”
Jukkola said he made the sign when the Astros’ signed on pitcher Roberto.
Osuna is facing charges of domestic violence, which resulted in a 75-day game suspension in May for violating the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy, Sports Illustrated reported.
In a statement, the Astros said the information regarding the charge "weighed heavily” in the decision but after evaluating the whole situation, decided Osuna “deserved a second chance.”
Astros fan Ryan Meier, who was attending the game on Saturday, said he saw Jukkola removed from the stands.
“Domestic violence is a serious issue,” he said, according to ABC 13. “I think the sign should be irrelevant in the ballpark because the Astros should already have one instead of us needing to bring one.”
According to MLB.com, only banners that are related to baseball and in support of teams and players are permitted into the stadium.
The Astros do not permit signs, posters or banners which are “obscene, slanderous, or in bad taste.”
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