SBP issues statement on Olongapo attack on two referees

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has issued a statement after two referees were attacked by a player in a game in Olongapo City over the weekend.

In the statement signed by Executive Director Renauld Barrios, the SBP condemns the incident, saying that it has no place in sports. The SBP has also called the referees as unsung heroes of the sport.

The SBP added it has also sent Regional Director for Region 3 Gil Cortez for assistance on the two referees.

Here is SBP’s entire statement:

It is most unfortunate that two basketball referees were violently attacked by a player and a supporter in a game at Olongapo City on May 18, 2019.   

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. 

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.  

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.