Police in California are looking into the release of a viral video showing a Minnesota Vikings fan being assaulted by 49ers supporters after Monday night’s game.
The 70-second video was posted on a Facebook page by Brandon Cosio Tuesday morning and has swiftly been picked up by media, with the Vikings jersey-wearer appearing to be punched, kicked and slapped by two men and, at one point, a woman.
Security and bystanders attempted to halt the assault, while others scream at the 49ers fans to stop.
You can see the video here, but viewers should be warned it contains disturbing footage.
Deadspin notes the Vikings fan was wearing an Antoine Winfield jersey, with the attack taking place in the parking lot outside Levi’s Stadium in the wake of the Vikings 20-3 loss to the 49ers.
The Star Tribune reports local police Lt. Kurt Clarke had verified the authenticity of the video, and said he’ll release details of the assault later on Tuesday.
When posting the video, Cosio claims that the Vikings fan “instigated the whole entire situation,” saying he shoved his wife into a barrier to try to get to a 49ers fan and then turned around to the crowd, asking if anybody “wanted some.”
It was at this point, as the Viking fan was turning around to walk away, that a 49ers fan in black tackled him to the ground, which is when the video starts.
After the assault finishes, the Vikings fan – who has not been identified – managed to get up and walk away.
