Cubs fan says he was beaten outside U.S. Cellular Field

Michelle Gallardo Image
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Cubs fan says he was beaten outside U.S. Cellular Field
A Chicago Cubs fan is recovering after he says he was attacked and beaten outside of U.S. Cellular Field following a White Sox game.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago Cubs fan is recovering after he says he was attacked and beaten outside U.S. Cellular Field following a White Sox game.

The 28-year-old says he nearly lost his eyesight in an attack that is now being investigated by police.

A detached pupil, a fractured globe and six stitches to his left eye. This is not what Steven Rebenda ever thought would come of a trip to U.S Cellular Field.

"They kind of surrounded me in a little triangle and were running their mouths," he said. "I noticed one guy down here playing with his hand a little bit. Next thing I know I get sucker punched in the face."

The incident happened last Wednesday when Rebenda, a self-professed Cubs fan, went to the White Sox game with friends. It was his first time at U.S. Cellular Field.

"I'll give it to them, U.S. Cellular Field is freakin' awesome. I had a great time," he said.

The problem started after the game when Rebenda says he was just outside the stadium leaning against a trash can by the parking lot and three young men started heckling him because of what he was wearing.

"I had a White Sox shirt on and a Cubs hat," Rebenda said. "I mean, I'm a Cubs fan, but I wasn't going to go all in Cubs gear. I know better than that."

A server at a restaurant with four children to support, Rebenda is unable to work until his eyesight stabilizes. But he says his coming forward is not about money.

"I just don't want this to happen to anybody else," he said. "I think this is ridiculous. Everybody is trying to make this about, 'Oh he's just a Cubs fan trying to get PR.' This isn't about the Cubs. Or the Sox. This just shouldn't have happened in the first place."

As for the White Sox, a spokesperson says the public's safety is a top priority and he confirms they have been in touch both with Rebenda's family and Chicago police to try and determine what happened.