‘Violence has no place in sports’
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) apologized for the brawl at Philippine Arena involving the Philippine men’s national team and Australia in the Fiba World Cup Qualifier Monday night.
“The SBP apologizes to Filipino basketball fans and to the basketball community for the incident that occurred during last night’s game,” SBP said in a statement posted by president Al Panlilio on his Twitter account on Tuesday.
“As hosts, we regret having breached the bounds of traditional Filipino hospitality. As the national team representing flag and country, we likewise extend our apologies to the Filipino people.”
The melee was one of the most violent fights that have transpired in a basketball game since the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers’ free-for-all dubbed, “The Malice at the Palace” in 2004.
Gilas saw nine players ejected while four Aussies got tossed.
Cebuano June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood and Baser Amer were the only players left for the Gilas on the court after the ejections.
The three Filipinos played against five Aussies but Fajardo and Norwood were later forced to foul out to end the game in Australia’s favor, 89-53, in the third quarter.
“SBP stands by its conviction that violence has no place in sports. We will review the incident comprehensively and await the decision of FIBA with respect to disciplinary proceedings on the matter,” Panlilio said.