YOU know that things got really heated in the Gilas Pilipinas-Australia World Cup qualifier when even assistant coach Jong Uichico got involved in the scuffle, as witnesses claimed.
The usually mild-mannered coach is being accused as the one who slammed a chair on one Aussie player and later threw punches at the height of the brawl, based on various photos and videos spreading like wildfire online.
In one video circulating on Facebook which has now gone viral, Uichico is seen entering the frame at around the five-second mark and then immediately dropping a chair on a fallen Chris Goulding before throwing a couple more punches.
Uichico was then restrained by another official.
Take a look at the video:
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Several witnesses also claimed that Peter Aguilar, Japeth's dad, was the one caught by the TV cameras throwing a chair during the melee.
Here also is a photo taken by Rio Deluvio of the Manila Bulletin:
Reactions towards Uichico's actions in social media were mixed, with some hailing Uichico for standing up for his players while others questioning why a veteran official of his stature had to get involved.
Here, Uichico was later photographed in the Gilas bench in this pose while sitting next to head coach Chot Reyes.
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