Tara Murray
Hume City Broncos have banned two fans from attending their Big V games after the fans threatened an umpire on Sunday.
The fans went onto the court in the dying minutes of the Sunbury Jets and Broncos match at Boardman Stadium in Sunbury.
In footage seen by Star Weekly, the two fans approached the umpire on the court after a hard foul by a Broncos player.
The female umpire was trying to seperate players when the spectators took to the court and approached the umpire.
The fans had to be held back and were escorted from the court.
The Broncos released a statement on Monday about the incident.
“Having become aware of an incident that occurred during the Big V basketball game between Sunbury and Hume City on 5 June, where the relatives of a Broncos player entered the playing arena to remonstrate with the referees who were officiating the game, the club has banned those persons from attending any Big V games that the Broncos participate in,” the said statement said.
Broncos general manager Gareth Alexander said that their club does not condone any disrespect or inappropriate conduct toward referees.
“Within our own competition environments, we deal with any such instances swiftly and decisively so that our officials can continue to feel safe and supported in the challenging role they play in ensuring that games are played according to the rules.
“We have contacted the Big V competitions manager to let him know the action we have already taken and that we will fully co-operate with any actions he initiates to enforce appropriate conduct standards.”
Basketball Victoria said in a statement it was aware that the incident had occurred that forced the game to be called off.
The Jets were leading 88-78 when the game ended with nearly four minutes remaining.
“It is unacceptable for spectators to enter the court during a game and engage in any form of abuse towards our referees,” the statement said.
“The safety of our referees is paramount in conducting basketball leagues and competitions and Basketball Victoria will take all necessary measures to ensure a safe working environment for our technical officials.
“We would like to commend both teams on their conduct throughout the incident, as they immediately protected the referees and ensured their safety.
We are working with both associations and officials involved in the game.”
The statement said any further action will need to be investigated and possibly reported to the Basketball Victoria Tribunal for further investigation.
