Ginebra deplores hooliganism

Ginebra San Miguel team manager Ira Maniquis yesterday called on fans to restrain their emotions in the wake of a brutal attack that left Kings diehard Manny Ogaro of Makati bleeding from a deep cut on his left eyelid after a recent Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) game at the PhilSports Arena.

Ogaro and his companions were in a festive mood after Ginebra’s 99-96 win over Red Bull last Sept. 10. Barako fans weren’t. As they filed out of the stadium into the streets, the Ginebra and Red Bull fans got into each other’s nerves. The jeering finally reached a boiling point and the fans turned violent. Stones, soft drink cans, and other hard objects were hurled.

Ogaro, 24, was struck in the face during the melee. He said his assailant wrapped a belt around his fist and attacked from behind. Ogaro failed to get a good look at his attacker who ran after throwing the sucker punch. Two other Ginebra fans were hurt. A girl was hit on the shoulder by a stone and her companion suffered a bruised arm.

Maniquis said the senseless brawl could’ve been avoided if fans herded to watch games are controlled by marshals. He cautioned against the practice of hakot, which is a potential breeding ground of hooligans.

"There should be some way of instilling discipline within the ranks of spectators who are bused to the stadium," said Maniquis.

With his face covered in blood, Ogaro managed to walk back to the PhilSports Arena where he was given emergency care by Ginebra team physician Dr. Ric Pagulayan. Ginebra import Ricky Price, Eric Menk and Alex Crisano consoled Ogaro in the Kings dugout. Ogaro was then sent to the Makati Medical Center where he was treated by ophtha-lmologist Dr. Mariano Lorenzo and confined two nights.

During Ogaro’s confinement, Ginebra coach Allan Caidic and Kings star Mark (The Spark) Caguioa made a surprise visit. Ogaro, his wife Babylou and their friends vowed to remain Ginebra fans forever.

Caidic said Ginebra fans are considered as family and stressed that being part of the Ginebra family carries an important responsibility. He explained that fans should be passionate in enjoying the game and supporting the team but should never engage in any violent acts.

"Pamilya ang tingin namin sa mga Ginebra fans," said Caidic. "Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, walang Ginebra San Miguel. Literally, dugo at pawis ang puhunan nila sa amin kung kaya’t dapat lang din na bigyan sila ng ganitong suporta."

For his part, Ogaro thanked the Ginebra organization for its unconditional support. "Hindi namin inaasahan ang ganitong suporta mula sa Ginebra San Miguel," he said. "Hindi nila kami pinababayaan at hindi rin naman namin sila pinababayaan."

Ogaro said fans should remember what happened to him and urged them not to lose their cool over mere trash talk. "Huwag na daanin sa init ng ulo," he said. "Mag-enjoy na lang tayo ng laro. Kung manalo ang team natin, masaya tayo. Kung matalo, hope for the best next time na lang."

Ogaro said he couldn’t imagine himself being a fan of any other team. He singled out Eric Menk, Romel Adducul and Caguiao as his idols. Ogaro, in fact, shaves his head like Caguioa.

Caidic said the PhilSports Arena management should deploy more security around the stadium and suggested for fans of competing teams to sit apart to prevent the tension that usually builds up from the intensity of a game.

Maniquis commended Red Bull team manager Tony Chua for his offer to assist in the apprehension of Ogaro’s attacker and the PBA for mobilizing its resources to avert a possible repetition of the bloody confrontation when the Kings and the Barako played separate opponents at the Big Dome last Sunday.

"Mr. Chua has set a good example for other teams to emulate," said Maniquis. "Hooliganism has no place in sports."

In European soccer leagues, unruly fan behavior has become almost a norm. Hooligans are grouped into "firms" that are attached to some soccer clubs. The "firms" are known by such aliases as the Gooners, Zulu Warriors, SS (Suicide Squad), Warlords, BBC (Blades Business Crew) and Hit Squad, reflecting their notoriety.

Before the PBA turns into a hotbed of hooliganism, clubs should make the effort to curb fanatical reactions of resbak (retaliation) and kuyog (lynch-mob mentality). After all, it’s just a game.