Loyzaga suspends erring ref for 3 games

MANILA, Philippines - University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) commissioner Chito Loyzaga yesterday suspended referee Francisco Olivar for three game days for calling a controversial foul that sealed the win for La Salle over Adamson in the UAAP men’s tournament Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a two-page decision, Loyzaga called as an “untimely decision” the foul made on Gian Abrigo during a rebound play with La Salle’s Norbert Torres in the last 15 seconds of the game.

The call eased the pressure on the Archers, who were then leading by just two points. Torres was given two free throws and La Salle possession.

“Though the UAAP is guided by FIBA rules and regulations, it also has its own set of basketball house rules which it implements according to certain principles in order to achieve its objectives,” said Loyzaga in a statement.

“One of the basic principles of the UAAP board is to have the outcome of all games decided by the players and not by the referees. Taking this within the context of the AdU-DLSU game, maintaining momentum of play in the last two minutes, sometimes achieved by refraining from having to call fouls, would increase the chances of having the players decide the outcome of the game.

“The fair and sportsmanlike closure of a game, however, is made possible by the level of skill and respect on the part of both players and game officials,” he added.

“Mr. Olivar is a qualified and experienced referee who officiates both local and international games. Unfortunately, he made an untimely decision to call a foul in the last 15 seconds of the game. This call resulted in an advantage to La Salle, which eventually won the game,” he said.

Though Loyzaga admitted it was the referee who made the mistake, he made no  recommendation to reverse the outcome of the game or call for a replay.

“As the commissioner of the league this season, I take full responsibility of the actions made by a member of the league’s technical unit. While Mr. Olivar is a valuable member of the officiating team, he will therefore be suspended from officiating for three game days,” he said.

Adamson is reportedly filing an official letter requesting for a replay and a season ban on Olivar.