Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—June Mar Fajardo became the unfortunate victim when an intruder dressed up as Spider-Man rushed to the court during Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel Beer and Magnolia Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum,
The crasher, who was later identified as Paolo Felizarta, collided with Fajardo with 3:06 left in the game, momentarily knocking down the 6-foot-10 giant.
Araneta’s security personnel immediately apprehended Felizarta who also received retaliatory hits from Fajardo’s San Miguel teammates Christian Standhardinger, Chris Ross, and Ronald Tubid.
Fajardo, who still finished the game, said that even though he was apparently hurt in the collision he wishes no ill will toward Felizarta, who ran to the court waving a sign that reads “VOTE! LOVE!”
“I was shocked with what happened, I totally didn’t expect it, I think everyone didn’t expect it,” said Fajardo in Filipino. “It’s a good thing this isn’t serious, I only got dizzy because I was hit in the jaw.”
“There’s no problem, for me, with what happened. His way of sending a message was wrong and I think he just wants to be noticed it’s just that his way of doing things is wrong.”
Felizarta was detained at Quezon Police District Station 7 and the earliest he can post for bail is on Tuesday.
Fajardo, who finished with 21 points and 22 rebounds in San Miguel’s 88-86 loss, eventually called for peace and that everyone should just leave Felizarta alone.
“I hope he learned a lesson from this, he got mugged because of it. I hope he’s okay and I think he doesn’t have any intention of hurting anyone,” said Fajardo. “To the fans, please support your teams, win or lose, because that’s what they want and need from you.”
“Us players, we’re doing this because we want to win and please respect the players because we also respect the fans. And to the fans, please don’t patronize what happened. I hope that doesn’t happen again.”