The next two matches will be played at Palacalafiore behind closed doors, with live streaming guaranteed.
The Viola Basketball Society presented the appeal against the decision of the Sports Judge and today there was the long-awaited outcome.
We remember how the initial provision of the Sports Judge provided for the disqualification of the member Nikola Ivanaj for two matches for acts of violence not during the game and the disqualification of the Viola field for four matches, as well as various fines.
Reasons for the Complaint
According to the Pallacanestro Viola defense, the match took place essentially correctly and the players greeted each other cordially at the end of the match. However, at the end of the match, the accompanying manager of the visiting team apparently caused a commotion by uttering a racist phrase towards the player Efe Idiaru. This behavior would have triggered a reaction from teammate Nikola Ivanaj.
Testimonials and Evidence
During the video call hearing, the director of Pallacanestro Viola, Fortunato Vita, stated that no one from the stands entered the field and that the people present were all legitimate. Player Efe Idiaru testified that the visiting manager uttered offensive words at the end of the match, triggering Ivanaj’s reaction. Other witnesses, including referee Federico Puglisi and pitch official Giuseppina Russo, confirmed the invasion of the pitch by some fans, but without significant acts of violence, with the exception of a single episode.
Court decision
The Court found that at the end of the match some spectators actually entered the pitch, but only one committed an act of violence (a kick). As a result, it reduced the field disqualification to two matches and canceled the financial fine initially imposed (over 12,000 euros!). Furthermore, Nikola Ivanaj’s disqualification was reduced to just one match, taking into account the general extenuating circumstances and the provocation he suffered.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Court partially accepted Pallacanestro Viola’s complaint, reviewing the original sanctions in light of the new testimonies and evidence presented. The decision reflects a balance between maintaining order and sporting justice, taking into account the circumstances and provocations suffered by team members.
In short, the game is being played in Reggio Calabria, albeit behind closed doors. Tap-off at 8.30pm at Palacalafiore with live streaming.
It could have been better, but it could have definitely been worse. Reggio, against Matera, seeks the eleventh success to complete the tour of the group in full.
