Hibs Basketball Player Faces Disciplinary Hearing Over Ref Cheating Accusation
A disciplinary hearing against Hibernians basketball player Derek Brown is expected to ask him to substantiate his claims that referees cheated so that they could make money from the game.
Brown was part of the Hibernians team that lost 75-74 to Starlites in a knock-out final last weekend. During the game, Brown was tripped by Starlites coach Paul Ferrante, who is also facing disciplinary action by the Malta Basketball Association over the incident.
After the game, Brown claimed that Hibs were cheated out of a victory.
“This is what they allow in the Malta Basketball Association,” he said in an Instagram story that included a video of the tripping incident.
“My ankle is fucked because they want to win. A coach from the other team tried to take me out and there is nothing that is being done. My team was cheated out of a knockout by poor officials so they can win their damn bets on Bet365.”
In a statement, the MBA said its Disciplinary Commissioner has initiated disciplinary proceedings against both Ferrante and Brown.
“The MBA also acknowledges the receipt of a report from Hibernians BC about the on-court incident whereby the alleged offence took place during the afore-mentioned game.”
“The Malta Basketball Association has also taken cognizance of the comments and posts made by Hibernians BC player Derek Brown on his personal social media account/s. The Association’s Disciplinary Commissioner has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Mr Brown over violations of the MBA’s Disciplinary Code.”
“In reaffirming our full and unconditional commitment to safeguard and protect the integrity of basketball, the MBA vows to vigorously tackle any allegations or claims of any acts or attempts that go against the spirit of fair play in accordance with the Association’s regulations.”
“The Malta Basketball Association will not be making any further comment on this matter until the inquiries and disciplinary proceedings have been concluded.”
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