PBA suspends ref after review of play leading to Kyt Jimenez's facial fracture

Kyt Jimenez was hit so hard by Cliff Hodge on his face that a foul should have been called on Hodge. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Another day, another PBA referee was suspended.

The league on Tuesday sanctioned a referee in the Meralco-San Miguel game on Sunday night after the incident that led to Kyt Jimenez's facial injury was deemed to be a missed call.

Cliff Hodge hit Jimenez in his right eye area while passing the ball to Anjo Caram, and the said area eventually swelled upon Jimenez's exit from the game in the third quarter.

Upon further checkup, it was revealed that Jimenez had a blowout fracture at the medial wall, and there is no timetable for his return.

After a review of the play in question, Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro confirmed that an offensive foul should have been called on Hodge that could have even been upgraded to a flagrant foul.

There was no specific mention of who was suspended, but it can be noted that Sherwin Pineda, Bing Oliva, Irewin Traballo, and James Paez officiated the game between the Bolts and the Beermen.

The suspension is likely for one officiating cycle or three games.

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