Generika coach lashes out on ref for ‘killing’ fun out of game

Generika LifeSavers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

There was no sugarcoating for a furious Francis Vicente after his Generika lost to RC Cola Army 20-25, 25-24, 25-20, 26-24, in controversial fashion Thursday in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix at San Juan Arena.

Vicente was not irate with how his Lifesavers gave up a 16-10 lead in the fourth set, but what irked him was how first referee Jose Hugo handled the situation in the latter part of the period.

With the scores tied at 19-19, Generika middle blocker Ria Meneses challenged a call that gave an ace to RC Cola import Kierra Holst.

What would’ve been a diplomatic exchange between player and official turned into a shouting match when Hugo, Vicente said, screamed at Meneses prompting the coach to fire back.

Hugo would tag Meneses and Vicente a red card eachm giving two free points to the Lady Troopers for a 21-19 lead.

“Nagrereklamo mga player sayo eh, nagku-kuwestiyon, tapos magbibigay ka ng card na red o yellowm” said Vicente. “Huwag niyang sisigawan mga player kasi mga player nagpapakahirap yan tapos sisigawan mo.”

“Pinatay niya yung fun ng game. Nawawala yung fun.”

Vicente speculated Hugo is making things personal between him and Generika since, the coach said, there were instances in their game against Cignal where the referee would call crucial errors.

Generika lost to the HD Spikers in five sets, 22-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-4.

“There is something, personal na ang referee na yan, para sakin yang referee na yan tanggalin,” said Vicente. “Bakit dalawang beses siya nag referee sa amin, anong meron? Galit ako.”