PBA suspends refs after 'unacceptable' missed call in 'Clasico'

Ginebra coach Tim Cone was mad at the referees after failing to call a late foul on Mark Barroca. Dennis Acosta (file photo) 

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The PBA slapped suspensions to the four referees who officiated the Sunday night Manila Clasico showdown between Ginebra and Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

In a statement on Monday, Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro admitted that the umpires for the match, Peter Balao, Mandy Montoya, Joel Baldago, and Julius Medillo, failed to call a foul on Mark Barroca with 11.5 seconds left. 

Barroca was challenging Scottie Thompson's layup attempt during the play in question, and replays showed that Barroca was holding to Thompson's arm while trying to block the shot.

Had Thompson been given two free throws, he would have given the Gin Kings a chance to retake the lead after blowing a 26-point cushion in the first half and possibly win the game.

"[That was] unacceptable. There was contact. We failed to make a call," Castro said.

Castro did not mention how long the suspension will last, but oftentimes, a suspension for a referee lasts for one cycle or three games he is scheduled to be officiating.

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