Couple claims they were victims of racial slurs, harassment at Heinz Field

PITTSBURGH — A local couple is upset after they said they were kicked out of their seats during Sunday’s Steelers game after a confrontation with some other fans.

Christen D’Itri said her boyfriend wore a San Diego Chargers sweatshirt to the game to support his cousin on the team.

She said she expected some heckling, but from the moment they sat down in their $100 seats, she said they were victimized with harassment and racial slurs.

“The fifth one came and my boyfriend stood up and said, ‘OK you said it behind my back and now say it to me,’ and the guy said, ‘I didn’t say anything.’ Security then came down and escorted us out,” D’Itri said.

According to D’Itri, they were kicked out of their seats at halftime but not ejected from Heinz Field. After several fans came forward in their defense, they were allowed back in their seats.

“More people started giving their names and phone numbers, and at that point they went back to the guy who was denying it and said they had three or four witnesses and made him leave. We got back to our seats at the end of the fourth quarter,” D’Itri said.

The Executive Director of Stadium Management, Jimmy Sacco, said he didn’t want to comment on specifics, but his office is aware of the incident and looking into it.

“I’m embarrassed that I’m representing Pittsburgh and this has taken place,” D’Itri said.

WPXI