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NBL fans hit with huge bans after ugly scenes at John Cain Arena
By Jon Pierik and Russell Bennett
One fan has received a lifetime ban from all NBL games in all venues, while another has been hit with a 10-year ban following the ugly scenes in the recent clash between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers.
Melbourne United released a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming that the NBL’s integrity department had wrapped up its investigation into “spectator conduct” during the fiery clash at John Cain Arena on November 17.
“Melbourne United does not condone or accept inappropriate fan behaviour at our games,” United CEO Nick Truelson said in the statement.
Fate day: Adelaide 36ers pair Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis have appeared before the single member NBL tribunal as a result of this melee.Credit: Getty Images
“We are committed to maintaining the most inclusive and welcoming environment in Australian sport, whilst ensuring the safety of players, staff and fans. Having assisted the NBL throughout the course of its investigation, we fully support the findings and sanctions handed down to the spectators involved.”
A source with knowledge of the investigation, who wished to remain anonymous to speak freely, confirmed the fan wearing a light-coloured hoodie, who had been escorted from the stadium after the fracas, was given a lifetime ban. This man had engaged in a physical altercation with Adelaide players, including star shooter Dejan Vasiljevic, and staff, and had to be held back. His identity was not disclosed during the investigation, the same source said.
The same source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed that a United courtside seat holder, wearing a black T-shirt at the game, was suspended for 10 years.
NBL chief executive David Stevenson said the league “is, and always will be, a family-friendly sport, and we will not tolerate any behaviour that goes against that”.
“We hope this sends a clear message that sitting courtside at NBL games is a privilege,” he said. “One of the great things about basketball is sitting up-close to talented players, and we will always strive to protect and preserve that experience.
“We commend the swift action from club officials who intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation between Adelaide players and the fans.”
The bans come a day after 36ers stars Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis were suspended for their roles in the altercation with fans. The pair appeared before an NBL tribunal on Monday, with former AFL operations boss Adrian Anderson, now a prominent lawyer, leading the league’s case.
Former NBA star Harrell, who is in the US on a short break, and Davis appeared via Zoom.
Harrell was found guilty of inappropriate handling or grabbing of a spectator for which he was banned for three games, and also handed fines totalling $3685. He was found guilty of two charges of striking ($1550 fine for each) and a charge of engaging in a melee ($585 fine).
Davis was suspended for two games after he was found guilty of inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator. The 36ers face defending champions Tasmania, Brisbane and Perth in their next three games.
The 36ers said on Tuesday they would not appeal the suspensions.
“Both Kendric and Montrezl have taken responsibility for their part in the incidents during the November 17 match against Melbourne United,” the 36ers said in a statement.
“We will continue to protect our players and actively support their physical and mental wellbeing. Kendric and Montrezel appreciate all the words of support from around the NBL, especially our amazing home fans.”
The 36ers had engaged leading sports lawyer, Sydney-based counsel James McLeod, who specialises in dealing with “offensive language”, to fight their case for Davis and Harrell.
Harrell was irate with what had allegedly been said to him by fans. The former NBA sixth man of the year stepped over the sponsorship padding on the sideline and into the fans’ zone space next to the 36ers bench.
Four fans were evicted from the stadium after engaging in the off-court incident with 36ers players and staff.
United officials, venue management and former NBL star Brad Newley helped to ease tensions before the four fans were ejected.
The drama unfolded following a push and shove between Harrell and Melbourne’s Rob Loe after a foul call. United guard Shea Ili then joined the fray, shoving and verbally sparring with Harrell, prompting a melee between both teams. Harrell took to social media on Tuesday to question why United players had not been punished.
Players returned to the benches for a video review of the scuffle, but tensions escalated when fans sitting courtside spoke with Harrell and other Adelaide players, including Davis.
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