Prior to Game Two of the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals, UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag called for sportsmanship and positive participatory experience from every individual involved in the game, including the paying audience.
“We urge everyone to help us,” the statement dated November 28, 2017 opened.
“Spectators to cheer for their team’s student-athletes. While some cheering against opponents is acceptable in UAAP culture, kindly do so in a manner befitting of your prestigious institutions.”
However, in one instance during the game itself, class and sportsmanship was thrown out of the window by some fans.
With 4:07 remaining in the game, La Salle had just rallied back from a 21-point deficit and was leading 82-70. Seeing their team crumble after a dream start, an Ateneo fan threw a bottle to the side of the La Salle bench. Trying to protect his players, second-year Green Archers head coach Aldin Ayo was seen on camera visibly frustrated but cooler heads were able to prevail.
It did not stop there as seconds later, another fan threw a coin on the court.
A photo then went viral after the game showing a spectator clad in blue flipping a dirty finger.
Photo from Facebook user David Dichupa
According to accounts, the rowdy fans remained at the venue up until the final buzzer as the venue security could not locate them.
As the league’s dark history has shown, instances like these could spark fights and to an extent, game stoppages. Moreover, the rules and regulations of the venue explicitly state that, “Throwing of any object shall be prohibited. Any person caught doing so will be ejected from the premises.”
With the series heading into a winner-take-all bout on Sunday, the emotions will definitely reach a fever pitch. The league though is hoping that everyone involved do their part in helping provide a safe field for the players, the officials, and the fans.
“This office has always resorted to collaborative efforts rather than punitive measures,” the statement furthered. “We have issued technicals, disqualifications, and suspensions only when absolutely necessary and left with no choice. We have never banned anyone from the venue.
“The full cooperation of everyone involved is needed to conclude the season in the best way possible.”
At the end of the day, it’s still just a basketball game meant to be enjoyed.
That’s the Ateneo community standing up to applaud La Salle for winning game 2. They started even before buzzer hit 0. DLSU offered us the same courtesy when we sang our Alma Mater song next.
Don’t let a few outliers ruin the game for you. This place is filled with good people. pic.twitter.com/nqugpskqjz
— Serge Gabriel (@sergiewonder) November 29, 2017
