This mural depicts an iconic image in Rangers history. Why does Arlington want it removed?

The city of Arlington has requested that a mural depicting an infamous brawl involving a Texas Rangers baseball player be taken down because it violates a code that limits such paintings to the downtown and entertainment districts.

Fort Worth artist Juan Velazquez painted the mural in February on the wall of Gilbertos Taco Shop, 611 West Park Row Drive. The painting captured the image of former Ranger Rougned Odor punching José Bautista, then of the Toronto Blue Jays, after Bautista slid into the Rangers player to break up a double play on May 15, 2016. Former Star-Telegram photographer Richard Rodriguez captured the moment in a photo that went viral.

Velazquez has painted murals depicting Dallas sports stars Luke Doncic and Dak Prescott in Frisco, and entertainment figures like Selena and Sam Elliot in Fort Worth.

The city said it had no immediate plans to take action regarding the mural and will seek feedback from the Arlington City Council on whether it would like to change the mural policy.

Council Member Bowie Hogg acknowledged that the mural was against the rules and stated he had concerns about mural maintenance. However, Hogg also said that he personally liked the mural and thought the rule disallowing it should be examined and possibly expanded.

Council Member Rebecca Boxall oversees district five where the mural resides and gave her support in a statement to the Star-Telegram.

“I like the mural and will be advocating for it to stay. It is a vast improvement over the blank ugly west wall that we have all been looking at for years,” said Boxall.

The Arlington City Council will address the mural at its next meeting which takes place on May 9.

Velazquez said the request to remove the mural came as a part of an unrelated sign permit request.

Restaurant owner José Ruiz was dismayed when he heard the city asked for the mural to be taken down. He said he went to City Hall on Tuesday but was not able to speak with the necessary people.

Velazquez says the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

“There are so many people that love that mural, it’s been shared so many times, it’s been on ESPN. That’s probably the most shared mural that I have,” says Velazquez.

Velazquez hopes the city reverses its position.

Ruiz said he commissioned the mural “for the culture,” and hopes the city will allow him to keep it.

“When he contacted me, he was like I want to do something for the city of Arlington, something that makes people proud of Arlington, something that reminds them of Arlington,” Velazquez said, recalling his conversation with Ruiz.

Later, he added: “Man, I just hope they let it be and worry about other stuff that actually matters. They’re sitting here worried about the wrong thing.”