FIBA: Next Gilas game to be played behind closed doors

The next Gilas game will be played behind closed doors, FIBA announced on Thursday, as a result of the violent display between the Philippines and Australia early this Month.

“On Monday, July 2, during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers game between Philippines and Australia at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, a fight broke out midway through the third quarter and soon turned into a wider and more violent brawl,” said FIBA in a statement.

“Thirteen players were disqualified and the game was resumed but eventually had to be stopped once Philippines were left with one player.”

RELATED: FIBA suspends 10 Gilas players, 2 coaches for brawl with Australia 

FIBA launched a disciplinary proceeding right after the game and referred the matter to its Disciplinary Panel, which has now issued two decisions.

Following the disciplinary proceeding, FIBA declared that:

“Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Inc (SBP), is sanctioned for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its delegation members and of its public, as well as for insufficient organization of the game.”

As a result, the Philippines will play the next home game behind closed doors, “while a ban for two more home games has been placed under a probationary period of 3 years.”

SBP will also pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 250,000 (about P13,386,776.05). — LA, GMA News