Following the University of the East and Ateneo de Manila University match in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament last Sunday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, the UAAP Football Commissioner’s Office has imposed sanctions on those involved in the incident, in accordance with the PFF Disciplinary Code.
The match, which ended in a 4-3 victory for UE, was marred by controversy after the Red Warriors left the pitch following the Blue Eagles’ third goal while the game was still ongoing.
Although UE eventually returned to complete stoppage time, their walkout triggered a series of altercations involving both teams and some spectators at the venue.
As a result, the UAAP Football Commissioner’s Office has penalized UE with a deduction of three points in the league table.
This sanction is grounded in Article 30 of the PFF Disciplinary Code — Deduction of Points — which allows for the removal of points in current or future PFF competitions.
The office determined that UE’s actions breached the values of discipline, respect, and fair play that the league upholds.
UE head coach Frank Muescan has been handed a one-match suspension, to be served in the Red Warriors’ next game against Adamson University this Thursday at Vermosa.
He will also face further investigation, as it was he who ordered his players to leave the pitch and head to the dugout.
Two UE players received multiple-match bans for their involvement in the incident.
Defender Mark Maghinay was suspended for four matches after assaulting a linesman and provoking the crowd.
Fellow defender Christian Tio was given a two-match ban for pushing Ateneo strength and conditioning coach Dox Delos Reyes from behind, an act deemed a serious violation of athlete conduct standards.
On the Ateneo side, Blue Eagles head coach JP Merida was sanctioned for verbally lashing out at Commissioner Rely San Agustin during the commotion.
He will serve a touchline ban in Ateneo’s upcoming game against the University of Santo Tomas, also on Thursday at Vermosa.
In addition, an unidentified member of the UE delegation — wearing a ‘Gala’ #20 Blue Manila Montet jersey — has been banned from entering both the Vermosa and UP Diliman Football Stadiums.
The individual was caught by Ayala Vermosa Sports Director Hans-Peter Smit locking the dugout gate on the fourth official, who was attempting to speak with the UE team during their walkout. The stadium ban will take effect immediately, beginning with the next match.
These sanctions were determined after a thorough review of officiating decisions, disciplinary considerations, reinforcement of match-day protocols, and the implementation of stricter crowd control measures.
The UAAP also acknowledged concerns raised about the officiating during the game.
In partnership with the PFF, referee performances will continue to be evaluated through a structured, developmental process.
The league reiterated its commitment to raising the standard of officiating, emphasizing that the goal is not only to ensure consistency but also to exceed expectations in high-stakes matches for the benefit of teams, student-athletes, and fans alike.
