UPDATE: Nat. Intermediate League condemns attack on referees
A statement from the League today, September 3, 2013 confirmed the incident took place and said it was unfortunate that a physical altercation occurred after a very competitive matchup between two Tortola teams. This, it said, resulted in two referees being physically attacked by members of one team with one referee ending up being hospitalized with injury to the face.
"The League will not accept, tolerate or condone this type of behaviour by any player, coaches, captains, or managers of any team in this League and we deplore and strongly reject this type of unsportsmanlike behaviour. While we have no doubt that this was a one off incident as the league continued the same night with another game, this type of heinous behaviour resulting in a volunteer referee being injured must also be condemned by the greater society," the statement continued.
As a consequence, the League has suspended the team indentified to be the aggressor for the rest of the basketball tournament as well as its 2014 games. No member from the offending team is allowed to join any other team during its suspension period and play in the league until the suspension is lifted.
In addition, the team is to offer an official apology to the League, other teams, and referees.
The matter of the physical altercation is now in the hands of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the statement also read.
The organisors are convinced that the altercation was a one off incident and looks forward to the continued success of the League. "The League continues to strive to maintain the highest standards of discipline, internationally recognised basketball rules and regulations, sportsmanship and foster a family environment where our mothers and fathers with their children can attend games in a top rated indoor facility at the Save the Seed Energy Centre."
The League continues this weekend September 6-8, 2013 "and we encourage all to come out and enjoy what has been already described as exciting and well organised games," the statement concluded.
See previous article posted September 3, 2013
Fight mars National Intermediate League game!
- referee allegedly left with broken nose
Unruly scenes of players involved in a fight with a referee marred the end of an exciting game between Talk Done and On Top Ah Things in the Hon. Julian Fraser and Save the Seed National Intermediate Basketball League at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom on Saturday August 31, 2013.
Details on the incident remain sketchy, organisers have been tight lipped and there has been no official statement released from either the Honourable Julian Fraser RA or Bishop John I. Cline of the New Life Baptist Church, co sponsors of the Tournament.
It is understood, however, that an altercation took place among two players and a referee after Saturday night’s game between Talk Done and On Top Ah Things.
Punches were reportedly thrown during the confrontation and the referee was left with a bloodied and allegedly broken nose before the Police were called to calm the situation which took place inside the gym at the Save the Seed Energy Centre.
As of yesterday afternoon, September 2, 2013 the Police were continuing with their enquiries but had confirmed they were questioning two persons in connection with the incident.
The tension between the referee and the players from On Top Ah Things apparently began after a technical foul was awarded against them for allegedly using bad words and boiled over at the completion of the wire to wire encounter eventually won 65-61 by Talk Done.
Unconfirmed reports are that the tournament organizers have taken swift action and whilst the Police action is yet to be decided, On Top of Things have been suspended from any further involvement in the league.
Up until Saturday, the tournament had been well organized, well supported and teams and fans well behaved, which have always been the selling points. The incident hopefully will have no long lasting damaging effects on its successful continuation and conclusion at the Save the Seed Energy Centre.
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
39 Responses to “UPDATE: Nat. Intermediate League condemns attack on referees”
I saw a fight at the federation league and one at the prince and princess show; these young people need to stop.
But the blue government site was fast to jump on this but I have never even seen them to a game. It is so clear their agenda and motives.
My son plays in this league and I can say to all parents its well organized and kool Ac in door place and the games are very very high spirited.
One fight by some guy with a chip on his arm should not stop the programme, knowing Fraser and his people they will deal with that one team.
Let the games begin and continue. I must say Kudos to Mr. Fraser and Mr. Cline as they continue to do more for the youths than some of the people elected.