The brawl brought the opening night of the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF) 2017 League to a disgraceful and premature end.

At the time of the disruption, Mystics from Virgin Gorda were leading Latinos from Long Bush, Tortola 27-14 with 9:33 minutes on the clock for the second period.

The fight reportedly started between a player from the Latino team, Ruben O. Reyes who had just been given a Technical Foul and ejected from the game, and a member of the public. The fight then spilled over to a mass brawl involving both players and fans.

Reyes now ban for life from Town League

The player, Mr Reyes, and spectators had exchanged some words after which Mr Reyes slapped a fan, according to eyewitnesses. Shortly after the fight broke out, involving dozens more spectators and team members. There were about three fights for the night over the same incident, as is now being circulated on social network.

Police were also called in as there were threats being made by some fans.

The Referees had no choice but to abandon the game, giving it to Virgin Gorda’s Mystics.

Federation Officials, concerned as to the damage done to the reputation of the game, did not speak to the media immediately after the incident. However, Vice President of the BVI Basketball Federation, Keith ‘88’ Malone, speaking exclusively to our newsroom this morning June 11, 2017, said “that kind of behaviour will not be accepted and that player from the Latino team will be banned from the Federation League for life”.

Mr Malone warned that “a strong message will be sent to each team in the effect that any player bringing negative attitude to the sports or fans will be faced with similar actions, as zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour is in effect”.

Games continue tonight

It is our newsroom’s understanding that Mr Reyes is currently under a three year suspension from the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League for unsportsmanlike behaviour. His suspension is expected to end in 2018.

It is not clear how his life ban from the Federation League will affect his return to the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League, as Officials from that organisation could not be reached for comments.

Play in the Federation League is expected to continue tonight June 11, 2017 from 6:00 PM with 2 games, Mavs vs Jr Stars and Legs vs Future.