The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Tuesday 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 Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (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.
READ: Fiba opens disciplinary hearings after Gilas-Australia melee
“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.
READ: Brawl breaks out in Gilas-Australia game
“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.”
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