PBA suspends another ref for ‘clear judgement error’

Yeng Guiao. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The PBA has suspended yet another referee for an erroneous call.

The league on Monday banned game official Rey Yante for the rest of the playoffs for a “clear judgement error” late in game two of the semifinals between Rain or Shine and Meralco last Sunday.

BACKSTORY: Rain or Shine powers through Meralco, takes 2-0 series lead

With 2:30 left and the Elastopainters ahead of the Bolts 89-78, the ball went out of bounds after a block by Meralco’s Cliff Hodge on Jonathan Uyloan. Yante awarded the possession to the Bolts, who were in a middle of a comeback.

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao after his squad’s 92-82 victory slammed Yante and called him a “bared face liar.”

READ: Guiao slams officiating, pinpoints one referee

“It happened right in front of our bench, it was clearly (off Hodge) and it was the same referee, Yante, again. The play was in front of him,” the fiery mentor said. “I don’t know if he has anything personal or he’s really incompetent.”

Last week,  referee Art Herrera committed a blunder by waving off Gabe Norwood’s 3-pointer in game 1 of the same series. He was suspended for five game days or one week without pay.

READ: PBA bans referee for waving off Norwood trey in Rain or Shine game 1 win

The league also suspended a referee for missing a 24 shotclock violation in the game between Rain or Shine and Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals last March 29.

 READ: PBA suspends referee after non-call late in ROS-Ginebra tiff