PBA suspends referee in goaltending controversy

MANILA, Philippines — PBA Commissioner’s office Saturday suspended the referee who whistled for a goaltending violation in the crunch time of the Alaska-Talk N’ Text Friday night.

Refereer Rey Yante was meted a six-game suspension for calling a game-changing goaltending violation on Kelly Williams on his block on Cyrus Baguio’s layup with 26.6 seconds to go.

That basket by Baguio tied the game at 92, giving the Aces a chance to bring home the win — which Jvee Casio capitalized with a game-winning fingerroll with 2.4 ticks left for a 94-92 win.

“The game has become so fast and the player so athletic that there will be miscalls from time to time,” said PBA commissioner Salud in a statement.

“As much as PBA is doing its best to avoid errors, this is one of them. Ref Rey Yante is suspended six game days for his erroneous judgment in calling a goaltending violation.”

Head coach Luigi Trillo, who steered the Aces to a five-game win streak this PBA Philippine Cup — took the issue to Twitter.

“That was flat out goal tending! He tipped it from below after it touched the glass. HELLO?” Trillo posted on his account (@luigitrillo).

Last week, there was also another big issue on the goaltending rules when Rafi Reavis’ block on Enrico Villanueva’s miss wasn’t called for a violation.

Salud explained last week that, “our rule in goaltending now is when the ball is on its way down before it touches the rim.”

Despite the admission of the referee’s error and his subsequent suspension, the result of the game stands.