(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — A basketball brawl controversy has captured global attention after Lebanese officials banned fans from attending games for spawning a fist fight between players on rival teams.
Sports and Youth Minister Abdul-Muttaleb Hinnawi said his decision to ban fans from entering stadiums until the end of a game was supported by Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk.
The brawl erupted during a Sunday night game between Lebanon’s most popular basketball teams — the Christian-backed Sagesse Club and Sunni Muslim-backed Riyadi Club.
“There is a lack of culture and sportsmanship spirit in Lebanon,” Hinnawi said. “Political corruption has leaked into the stadiums.”
Tempers flared when Riyadi’s Ali Mahmoud and Sagesse’s Terrell Stoglin began exchanging punches, causing several of the home fans to storm the court and attack Sagesse players.
WATCH how the brawl unfolded:
Media reports say four players were injured and the game ended with less than a minute left, with Riyadi leading 109-98.
American news organization ABC News reports that brawls are not uncommon in Lebanon’s stadiums, and similar decisions to ban fans from attending games have been taken in the past.
Both teams took to Facebook to blame each other for the incident, with Al Riyadi claiming it was Stoglin’s “erratic behavior” which started the brawl and Sagesse claiming it was Mahmoud who began the “barbarian attack.”
Last year’s Game 4 of the final series between Sagesse and Riyadi caused a fight between Dewarick Spencer and Loren Woods, sparking a similar brawl between Sagesse fans and Riyadi players.