The nationwide debate about umpires versus robots seems to gain more steam by the day, but MLB fans are utterly dumbfounded by the latest controversial incident to occur. Actually, that is a poor choice of words, as there is no disputing what happened in the top of the first inning of the New York Yankees' 2-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics.

Manager Aaron Boone expressed his displeasure with home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after Esteury Ruiz was ruled to be hit by a pitch. The Yankees skipper thought that the A's outfielder went around on a swing and should therefore not be awarded first base. What happens next is even too outrageous for a 90's sitcom.

A hot microphone leaves nothing to the imagination. A heated Wendelstedt fires back at Boone and warns him that he will be tossed from the game if he says another word about the incident. An insult or objection is then hurled at the ump from behind, causing him to swiftly take action on Boone.

The problem is, though, the manager did not say a word.

The camera definitively proves his innocence and also identifies the man truly responsible for Wendelstedt boiling over. The culprit was a fan sitting directly behind the dugout. Umpires are often maligned for their sight, but this one decided to shake things up a bit. One has to wonder if hearing tests are being administered at the Wendelstedt Umpire School.

An incensed Aaron Boone sprinted out to the field to plead his innocence, per Talkin' Yanks (video contains profanity), but the ejection stood. Hunter Wendelstedt could be heard saying “I don't care” in response to the All-Star third baseman.

Aaron Boone ejection is equally concerning and bonkers

The wrongful dismissal is inspiring further distrust of umpires, while also drawing the ire of Yankees fans everywhere. But based on what transpired afterwards, it is difficult to ignore the hilarity of the situation. The fan who inadvertently got Boone removed from the afternoon game took off his blue pullover, via SNY Yankees Videos, in what might have been an attempt to evade further detection.

Whether he was trying to stay off Hunter Wendelstedt's radar, avoid the wrath of those in the stadium and on the internet or simply get comfortable on a warm day, this wardrobe modification only adds to this stunning saga. Not everyone is amused, though.

“Umpires are trash,” Emmy Award-winning writer, director and editor Randy Wilkins posted on X. “They suck.” Others excoriated Wendelstedt for inserting himself into the action. “Umpires don't make the game about themselves challenge (extremely impossible),” Dillard Barnhart wrote. “Hunter Wendelstedt is a buffoon.”

How will MLB tackle this incident?

Amid all the scathing reactions to the ejection, there was a specific suggestion made on how to address this mistake. “Major League Baseball needs to step in and have Wendelstedt removed from this Yankees-Athletics series,” Ryan Garcia posted. “Let him pick up his next series as scheduled, but he shouldn't get another game in this series at all.”

People will be eagerly awaiting MLB's response. If the ump walks away unscathed, the groundswell support for robots will rise to overwhelming levels. As it stands, the damage might be done. Much like most baseball fans, Aaron Boone is surely beside himself.

He is known to have a hot temper when he disagrees with a call, but the league will not be able to hide from this viral blunder. Statements will be made and apologies could be issued in the coming days. Beyond, that, though, will the umpiring concerns be handled?