The Namuwongo Blazers forward James Okello was fined and suspended for his involvement in a fight as the Blazers took on Livingstone on Easter Monday.

This was one of the most chaotic  games and it had 5 people ejected, with the referee also leaving the game midway.

In the second quarter, while fighting for a rebound, Livingstone’s Diopa Durocher appeared to have had some contact with James around the abdominal area and James retaliated with a fight.

Read: 5 ejected in Chaotic Nam Blazers vs Livingstone Game.

Fortunately, the situation did not get out of hand but Okello, Diopa, and Akris, who was a victim of circumstance, were all ejected.

According to the FUBA rules, James Okello’s action were regarded as fighting.

By rule, a player has committed a fighting act when they:
(a) Strike, or attempt to strike, another player, coach, or other team
personnel with, but not limited to, a fist, hand, arm, foot, knee, or leg
in a combative manner, regardless of whether there is contact or not;

Section 7.01 (b) (i) goes on to say;

All participants (Players, Club officials, Federation Officials, fans and
spectators) who have violated FIBA and FUBA rules and regulation
and spirit of fair play and /or who; –
i.
Gets involved in a fight and or violent acts of any nature on the
court. The fact that you may feel provoked by another person is
not an acceptable excuse

The sanction is  as follows;

Any participant who violates Section 7.01(b)(i) will face a fine of
US$ 200 or its equivalent in Uganda Shillings and be suspended
for 1-10 games if they are first time offenders. 5-10 games if they
are repeat offenders.

As per the laws, Okello was fined $200 and given a 1-game suspension.

This 1 game suspension is from the fact that he was a first-time offender and he was remorseful for his actions.

For Diopa Durocher, no action was taken against him and he played the following Wednesday as Livingstone fell to the UCU Canons.

On Saturday as the Namuwongo Blazers took on Sommet at UCU, Okello served his 1-game suspension and will be back in action on Wednesday, when the Blazers host Rezlife Saints at Abja.

Read: Referee abandons the game mid-way

In the same game, Livingstone’s Coach Jeff Omondi verbally attacked the referee and he was ejected.

He was also fined and suspended.

Read: Livingstone Coach Fined and Suspended