Personnel said to be members of the Australian men’s basketball team remove the stickers on the flooring of the Philippine Arena ahead of their battle with Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier Sunday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO ‘WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN’

BOCAUE, Bulacan – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) may have accepted the apology issued by the Australian men’s basketball team, but it stood its ground, claiming that its removal of stickers on the floor of the Philippine Arena is an utter sign of disrespect.

SBP legal counsel lawyer Aga Francisco said the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) should step in and conduct a probe since what happened was not a small incident, but something that is “international in nature.”

Francisco added that the Boomers could be slapped with criminal charges as the operators of Philippine Arena see it as malicious damage to property since it created permanent damage on the flooring of the country’s biggest indoor arena.

In a shocking development caught by close circuit television (CCTV) cameras, members of the Australian basketball squad were seen ripping and removing the sponsors’ decals in a closed-door training session a day before they face Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The Boomers said the matte stickers were slippery, prompting them to remove it without seeking permission from FIBA and the SBP, which is the local organizing committee.

The local organizing committee, through SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza, acknowledged the right of the visiting team to complain, but removing anything — especially the stickers provided by the sponsors – has to be approved by FIBA.

After all, the FIBA branding manager approved all stickers placed by the local organizing body inside the playing court.

The Boomers’ move didn’t sit well with SBP chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan, who cried foul and sought an investigation.

“Aussie team ripping our FIBA logos on the court of Philippine Arena without asking permission. We will not back down. Those stickers should go in, regardless,” Pangilinan said.

SBP president Al Panlilio revealed that the Australian squad had already asked for apology during the team managers meeting Sunday night.

In fact, Australian team manager Mark Bradtke asked for understanding, saying that all they were thinking was the safety of their players in this very crucial battle.

“Our intentions were pure in rectifying what was potentially a player safety issue for all participants,” he said in a statement.

“Our loss to Japan shows that that this is a very tough competition and we wanted the best environment for all players whose health and safety are critical.”

He said it wasn’t their intention to disrespect Philippine basketball.

“We never intended to be disrespectful or to challenge Philippine basketball. The Philippine basketball federation and the players are our friends and neighbors, but also a very tough opponent that we respect very much.“

Panlilio said Bradtke and other team officials already reached out to them.

“The Australian basketball team did offer its apology during a meeting last night,” said Panlilio in a text message to Tribune.

“They have already apologized, but we made it clear that we didn’t appreciate it.”

SBP already re-installed the stickers few hours before the scheduled tip-off.

But Panlilio said the Australians should have been careful – and respectful – in handling the situation, especially since they are playing in a foreign country.

“I just feel that the Australian delegation should have shown more respect and decency,” he said.

“There’s a protocol if there are issues and avenues to raise their concern. Unilaterally, their action was disrespectful.”