Loyzaga suspends ref for calling unsportsmanlike foul in Adamson-DLSU game

MANILA, Philippines -- UAAP Commissioner Chito Loyzaga has suspended the referee who called an unsportsmanlike foul in the closing seconds of the game between Adamson and La Salle Wednesday,

In a memo issued to the UAAP Technical Committee on Thursday, Loyzaga ordered the suspension of referee Francisco Olivar for three game days for the unsportsmanlike foul he called against Adamson’s Gian Abrigo, who was caught pushing La Salle’s Norbert Torres with his forearm.

Abrigo was called for the infraction while jockeying for position with Torres with the Archers set to inbound with 15.9 ticks left. Per UAAP rules, a foul during deadball situation in the last two minutes is an automatic unsportsmanlike foul, resulting in two FTs plus ball possession. Torres sank the freebies, got fouled in the next play and made a split for a 70-65 cushion.

But after a review of the video, Loyzaga ordered Olivar’s suspension, citing that the call “raised several questions”.

In the memo, Loyzaga cited the FIBA rule book, which states that referees need to factor in the following fundamental principles when deciding on personal contact or violation:

1. The spirit and intent of the rules and the need to uphold the integrity of the game.
2. Consistency in the application of the concept of “advantage/disadvantage”. The official should not seek to interrupt the flow of the game unnecessarily in order to penalize incidental personal contact which does not give the player responsible an advantage nor place his opponent at a disadvantage.
3. Consistency in the application of common sense to each game, bearing in mind the abilities of the player concerned, their attitudes and conduct during the game.

Loyzaga, though, also held himself accountable for the incident. The UAAP commissioner then apologized to Adamson coach Leo Austria, who after the game voiced out his frustration at Olivar’s call.

“The call resulted in an advantage to La Salle which eventually won the game. As UAAP Commish, I take full responsibility of the actions made by a member of the Technical Unit of the league,” Loyzaga said.

“I also expressed my sincerest apologies to Coach Leo Austria, [the] Adamson team and Adamson community,” he added

Austria earlier said they are considering putting the game on protest. – With report from Olmin Leyba