EuroLeague explained why Sergio Llull wasn't sanctioned for Madrid brawl / News - Basketnews.com

Even though four players were sanctioned for actively participating in the on-court fights that took place during Real Madrid-Partizan Game 2 in the Spanish capital, several more athletes went unpunished. The EuroLeague Judge laid down the reasons why.

Credit: Jesus Orihuela/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Jesus Orihuela/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

The EuroLeague has explained the reasons that led to sanctioning of only two players from Real Madrid, and two from Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, following last Thursday's incidents at the Wizink Center.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Mathias Lessort Points 10 Accuracy 4-6 Rebounds 9 Assists 1

Guerschon Yabuselereceived the biggest sanction of all four players - he was given a 5-game ban in the tournament. The case with the remaining three players gets more interesting.

Kevin Punterreceived a 2-game penalty whileGabriel DeckandMathias Lessort were each given a 1-game ban.

But why weren't other players penalized as well?

Sergio Llull and Kevin Punter were the ones who lit the fuse of the brawl: the Spaniard unleashed a strong malicious slap. The American turned around, Llull forced contact with his chest, and the Partizan player threatened him with his fist, a gesture that the Spaniard copied. Then, all hell broke loose.

As reported by AS, Sergio Llull's unsportsmanlike foul was punished on the court and does not fall under the responsibility of the Disciplinary Judge. The Spanish guard later took no part in what followed and since he did not commit any physical assault, he went unpunished.

"As stated in the Judge's decision, 'Because Mr. Llull committed an unsportsmanlike foul that was sanctioned on the field of play, Mr. Llull's conduct is not the responsibility of the Disciplinary Judge.

If Mr. Llull had not committed an unsportsmanlike foul, the whole brawl might not have occurred, but since Mr. Llull did not engage in any physical assault during the brawl, the refereeing team rightly did not disqualify Mr. Llull, preventing the Disciplinary Judge from imposing any sanction on Mr. Llull," the report reads.

In addition, Real and Partizan did not dispute the report of the first referee of the match, with the exception of the intervention of the Spanish side in relation to Dzanan Musa, where they noted that he is the one who was hit by Kevin Punter.

"While the Head Referee's report can be challenged, Real Madrid and Partizan did not dispute the accuracy of it, with the exception of Real Madrid, who argued that Dzanan Musa (A31) 'does not exchange blows with player B7 (Kevin Punter), but he is the one who receives them from player B7," the Judge opined.

"In view of the foregoing, and of all the video images that were made available to him, the Judge considers that although some other players may have had contact with the players of the opposing team, 'this cannot be classified as physical aggression or attempted physical aggression' and, therefore, cannot be considered a violation of article 27.1.a) of the Code," the report concludes.

URBONUS

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