THE sanctions are a bigger black eye for basketball than the brawl itself.

That was the feeling on Thursday following FIBA’s decision to suspend 13 players and two coaches from the Philippines and Australia for their involvement in the ugly World Cup qualifying melee in Manila earlier this month.

Three Boomers — Daniel Kickert (five games), Thon Maker (three) and Chris Goulding (one) copped suspensions from FIBA matches for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Kickert, who sparked the brawl with his stray elbow, and Goulding, were also fined for inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour.

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The decision to suspend and fine Goulding is perplexing given he was set upon by multiple Philippine players and staff and bashed and kicked while he laid motionless on the ground.

No sanction was imposed on Australians Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee, who were on the court when the brawl erupted.

Basketball Australian chief executive Anthony Moore yesterday said the Goulding ban is “tough to swallow”.

“The findings of the panel were that throughout the game there was some niggle between Chris and a couple of players,” Moore said.

“The FIBA panel took the view that (niggle) actually, perhaps, contributed to the third-quarter incident.

“We’ll talk about (that) tomorrow (Friday) as a board, given everything that we saw with Chris under the basket with 20 players on him, it’s a little tough to swallow that one.”

NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said Basketball Australia was unlikely to appeal the sanctions.

“We understand that Basketball Australia and the Australian Basketballers’ Association have indicated they are unlikely to appeal the sanctions handed down by FIBA. These sanctions apply to FIBA World Cup qualifying games only and not to the forthcoming NBL season.

“We commend FIBA on its comprehensive investigation and the way it has handled not just players but also officials involved. While it was certainly a regrettable incident it was by no means a reflection of Australian basketball which is continuing to thrive as booming participation and interest in the game demonstrates.

“The NBL is one of the premier basketball leagues in the world and committed to delivering high quality, family entertainment in a sport that prides itself on its diversity and inclusion.”

Jio Jalalon, the Philippines official/player that entered the court and punched Sobey only received a five-game FIBA suspension.

Remarkably, the father of a Philippines player that entered the court and hit Sobey with a chair wasn’t reprimanded.

Basketball Australia must also pay a disciplinary fine of $134,850 for the unsportsmanlike behaviour of its players for abusing/tampering of equipment.

This occurred when the Australians removed floor stickers from the court on the eve of the game.

Australia sanctions 3 players suspended and fines imposed. Below player/coach name and number of games suspended Chris Goulding 1 game Thon Maker 3 games Daniel Kickert 5 games Basketball Australia Fined $135,000

The Philippines had 10 players rubbed out for a total of 35 FIBA games and $337,126.

This includes: Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright (1 game each); Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, Andray Blatche and Jeth Rosario (3 games each); Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz and Jalalon (5 games each).

Small forward Calvin Abueva received six games due to prior unsportsmanlike behaviour in a FIBA competition.

No sanction was imposed on Philippines shooting guard Gabe Norwood.

Philippines assistant coach Joseph Uichico was also suspended for three games for unsportsmanlike behaviour, while head coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes was suspended for one game and shall pay a disciplinary fine of $13,500 for inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Money from the fines will be used to support the “Basketball for Good” social program launched by the International Basketball Foundation.

In addition, the Philippines’ national federation was sanctioned for the unsportsmanlike behaviour of its delegation members and of its public, as well as for insufficient organisation 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.

Philippines basketball was also ordered to pay a fine of $337,000.

In a surprise move, FIBA has also suspended the match officials for 12 months.

Following a thorough evaluation by a group of experts of the officiating during the game, the FIBA Secretary General has decided that the referees of the game shall be removed with immediate effect from the FIBA Elite Program and shall not be nominated to any international competitions organised or recognised by FIBA (including at Zone and Sub-zone level) for a period of one year.

Philippines Sanctions 13 players and 2 coaches suspended, fines issued and bans for officials - below the player/coach name and number of games suspended Japeth Aguilar 1 game Matthew Wright 1 game Terence Romeo 3 games Jayson Castro William 3 games Andray Blatche 3 games Jeth Rosario 3 games Roger Pogoy 5 games Carl Cruz 5 games Jio Jalalon 5 games Calvin Abueva 6 games Assistant Coach Joseph Uichico 3 games Head Coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes 1 game and $13,500 fine Philippines' national federation Fined $340,000 and 3 years probation

In a statement, FIBA made a strong stance on violence and the importance of all competing countries to behave according to their standards.

It’s clear they don’t want as repeat of the disgraceful brawl between the Philippines and Australia, where 13 players were ejected.

“FIBA wishes to emphasise that it condemns any form of violence, both on and off the court,” the statement read.

“Respect, sportsmanship and professionalism are expected from players, coaches, officials and all other stakeholders at every game.

“Moreover, host countries must ensure the highest standards of organisational conditions are in place to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of players and other participants at all times.”

Importantly, FIBA’s investigation also determined that no racist language was used by Australian players or nor did it incite the incident as has been alleged.

THE SANCTIONS

Philippines — 10 players rubbed out for total of 35 FIBA games and $400,000 fine.

Australia — three players rubbed out for total nine FIBA games and

$150,000 fine.

Daniel Kickert (5 games), Thon Maker (3 games) and Chris Goulding (1 game) copped suspensions from FIBA matches for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Kickert, who sparked the brawl with his stray elbow, and Goulding, were also fined for inciting unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Philippines assistant coaches also had three games and head coach a game.

The Philippines’ next FIBA World Cup qualifying home game will be played behind closed doors.

Jio Jalalon, the Philippines official/player that entered the court and punched Boomers guard Nathan Sobey only received a five-game FIBA suspension.

The father of a Philippines player that entered the court and hit Boomers guard Nathan Sobey with a chair wasn’t reprimanded.