SBP condemns violent attack on referees during game in Olongapo

MANILA, Philippines—The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Tuesday condemned the violent attack on two referees during a basketball game in Olongapo City last Saturday.

The SBP issued a statement and urged Filipinos to play basketball the right away and respect the game at all times.

“It is most unfortunate that two basketball referees were violently attacked by a player and a supporter in a game at Olongapo City on May 18, 2019,” SBP executive director Sonny Barrios said in a statement.

“The SBP condemns such act of violence which definitely has no place in basketball and in sports, especially against game officials. The referees are the unsung heroes of any sport, for without them, no game can be technically conducted and concluded.”

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The incident was caught on video which has gone viral on social media.

In the video, a man was seen running after and attacking one referee, who ran out of the court and was left bloodied on the street.

The SBP also said its regional director for Region 3 Gil Cortez has made his way to Olongapo City to work hand in hand with local authorities and “extend assistance to the referees concerned.”

“We trust that there will be no repetition of this ugly incident and we call on the basketball community to simply play and support the game according to its merits at all times.”