THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has condemned the vicious attack on two referees in Olongapo City last Saturday.
In a statement issued by the federation, the SBP through Region 3 director Gil Cortez has extended assistance to the referees and has met with local authorities on the matter for the prosecution of the suspect.
Two referees were subject of an attack by a player in Tapinac basketball court with one getting beaten, and the other sustaining stab wounds. The video of the attack has gone viral.
“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,” said the federation in a statement signed by executive director Renauld Barrios.
“SBP Regional Director for Region 3 Gil Cortez traveled to Olongapo City to look into the matter and extend assistance to the referees concerned as well as meet with local authorities so that the case can be proactively pursued,” said the SBP.
The SBP hopes that the incident will serve as a lesson to the basketball community.
“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,” the SBP added.
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