BOSTON — A Celtics fan who threw a can on the court during a stoppage of play in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game was immediately identified and arrested, the team confirmed Wednesday night.
Shortly after a controversial play that led to the ejection of Celtics point guard Kemba Walker, a can landed on the court within feet of the San Antonio Spurs bench. Nobody was struck by the can, but an announcement was made over the public address system urging fans not to thrown anything on the court.
Justin Arnold, 22, of Everett, was arrested and charged with disturbing a public assembly, according to Boston Police Sgt. John Boyle. Arnold appeared in court on Thursday where he was ordered to stay away from the Garden.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens was visibly upset about the incident and addressed it during his postgame comments.
“I apologized to the Spurs for what happened out of the stands,” said Stevens. “That can being thrown, I told Pop (Gregg Popovich) after the game, I’m really sorry they had to experience that. I hope that person’s not allowed in an NBA arena again.”