Witnesses said in published reports that the man lying on the ground in this picture hurled racial slurs before being punched. (Credit: Witness Photo)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A man was reported in critical condition, after authorities and witnesses said he was punched, after reportedly hurling racial slurs at two restaurant customers in the West Village Friday.

As 1010 WINS’ Steve Sandberg reported, the young African-American couple was sitting at Benny’s Burritos, on Greenwich Avenue just south of 14th Street, having a quiet dinner. Police said a drunken man, who was white, stumbled over and reportedly pelted the couple with racial slurs.