KBF condemns incident in Bashkimi–Peja game, warns of sanctions

The Kosovo Basketball Federation has condemned the incident that occurred last night in the game between KB Bashkimi and KB Go+ Peja, played in Prizren.

In the Kosovo Cup quarter-final, the Peja player Dardan Berisha was struck by an object thrown from the stands, causing play to be stopped for a while, “Gazeta Express” writes.

The home of Kosovo basketball described the incident as dangerous and shameful, and also criticized the insults directed by the home fans at the visiting team.

Below you can read the KBF statement, which does not intend to stand idly by but will intervene with sanctions:

“The Kosovo Basketball Federation (KBF) condemns in the strongest possible terms the serious incident that occurred during the game between KB Bashkimi and KB Go+ Peja, played last night in Prizren as part of the Kosovo Cup quarter-finals.

During the third minute of the second quarter, KB Go+ Peja player Dardan Berisha was hit from the stands with a match, a dangerous, shameful and absolutely unacceptable act at a sporting event. In addition, insults and abuse directed at the visiting team were heard during the game, seriously damaging the image of basketball and violating every norm of sportsmanship.

The KBF informs the public and the sporting community that it has immediately opened disciplinary proceedings and that the organizer will face severe punitive measures, in accordance with the regulations in force. Tolerance for violence, physical assaults or abusive behavior in our sports halls is ZERO.

The Federation calls on clubs to take full responsibility for safety in their stands and warns that any recurrence of incidents of this nature in the future will result in drastic measures, including heavy fines, closure of sports halls and/or forfeiture of games by official score.

The KBF calls on all true basketball fans not to tolerate individuals or groups that tarnish our sport. They do not represent Kosovo basketball and will not be allowed to destroy the sporting atmosphere. Respectfully, Kosovo Basketball Federation”.