The three referees who officiated in the Final Four encounter between the defending champion La Salle Green Archers and the Adamson Falcons two weeks ago won’t be part of the officiating pool in the championship series
They have been put under preventive suspension, according to University Athletic Association of the Philippines executive director/basketball commissioner Rebo Saguisag.
Saguisag said this after a panel that conducted an investigation of the officiating during the encounter has released its findings.
“We recognize the importance of having officials who must be able to perform at the highest levels. We acknowledge the need to maintain public confidence in the league,” wrote Saguisag in his letter to said Fr.Aldrin Suan.
Suan, who is a member of the UAAP board of managing directors representing Adamson University, earlier lodged the protest/complaint on behalf of the school.
The findings were released two weeks after the Green Archers won over the Falcons, 82-75, in their Final Four showdown at the Araneta Coliseum.
The win put the Green Archers in the finals of the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
He explained that referees Hernan Alejo, Ian Borbe and Noli Borbe, who were assigned to work on the game’s officiating, have been put under preventive suspension.
Saguisag said that there were errors committed during the officiating of the games.
But, the evidence did not suggest bias.
The panel, also composed of Mark Molina of host Far Eastern University and Ateneo women’s basketball coach Erika Dy, found that there were 45 foul situations. In foul situations that they studied, 33 were called against Adamson, and 12 against La Salle.
Saguisag said that after a thorough review, it appears that there were a number of non-calls.They noted that there were 10 incorrect non-calls on fouls committed by the La Salle side. As for the Adamson side, there were seven incorrect non-calls made.
Saguisag explained that the three referees will be excluded from the finals to remove any cloud of doubt on the finals series.