Parents attack basketball refs in Benalmadena

PARENTS attacked two basketball referees following a children’s match in Benalmadena last Saturday.

The officials were reportedly assaulted after presiding over a match between the Benalmadena local team and the City of Melilla, which the home side dominated with a 22 point lead at the final whistle.

The incident took place half an hour after the game had ended when the referees attempted to leave a nearby car park.

The first, initialled JCA, was leaving to return home when he discovered several children, sporting the City of Melilla uniform, playing near his car. Upon seeing him, one of the 13-year-olds started to throw punches.

JCA then asked the children to step away from his vehicle, reprimanding the youth who had attempted to beat him, when an irate father started to berate him. Upon gaining access to his vehicle parents surrounded him to prevent him from leaving the car park.

When the referee jumped out of his car to settle to dispute, he was knocked down and allegedly kicked by several of the angry mob, according to a police statement. Upon hearing the disturbance the coaches of the Benalmadena team arrived with JCA’s partner and attempted to mediate the situation.

Minutes later, the Local and National Police arrived and took statements from the injured referees.

The Andalusian Basketball Federation has temporarily removed the City of Melilla from the league while the aggressors have been identified.