Homeless in MetroCard bashing

A homeless man giving directions inside a Manhattan subway station was punched out, stomped and robbed by a rival trying to sell illegal MetroCard swipes, police said Tuesday.

Police identified the suspect as Ronald Bailey, 52, a repeat transit offender with more than 30 prior arrests.

Bailey got angry because he was trying to sell swipes — discounted entries into the subway system using a doctored MetroCard — and felt the victim, also 52, was getting in the way, according to cops.

Bailey allegedly floored his rival with a left hook on the mezzanine level of the subway station at Seventh Ave. and W. 34th St. about 3:20 p.m. Sunday. He then kicked the victim and yelled at him before stealing his cellphone and what the victim said was $700 cash.