Drunk baseball ref gives middle finger and gets ejected by police

Mazatlán, Mexico - An umpire caused a scandal during a Mexican Pacific League baseball game, as official Humberto "Lobito" Sainz apparently had a few too many, flipped the bird, and got into it with fans and officials.

A baseball referee in Mexico was emphatically escorted off the field (stock image).
A baseball referee in Mexico was emphatically escorted off the field (stock image).  © Collage: 123RF/andreypopov & efks

In the third match of the series between teams Mayos de Navojoa and Venados de Mazatlán last week, spectators were witness to an unusual scene.

Videos have made the rounds on social media showing referee Humberto Sainz – also known as "Lobito" (or "Little Wolf") – staggering across the field.

He can be seen giving the middle finger to spectators and then being led out of the stadium by the police.

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According to Mexican news portal Beisbolpuro, the referee hurled insults at his colleagues, the teams' coaches, players, and fans in the stands during the game, prompting stadium staff to call law enforcement and have him removed from the field.

Fellow officials subsequently stated that the referee had been drunk while calling the game, the New York Post reported.

Sainz has since apologized for his behavior at Teodoro Mariscal Stadium, but has nevertheless been suspended indefinitely by the league.

"We always seek to enhance our values ​​as an institution, for which we strongly condemn the events that occurred," it said in a statement.

League officials also apologized to fans for the embarrassing moment, which has now been seen around the world.

Cover photo: Collage: 123RF/andreypopov & efks

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