Ruling on player fan interaction.

[Ref_in_Alberta]

As a point of interest the 2014 FIBA Rules defines a Disqualifying foul as:

A disqualifying foul is any flagrant unsportsmanlike action by a player or team bench personnel. (38.1.1)

I did some digging on the EuroCup website and found that this incident occurred with less than 2 minutes of the 4Q in a 9 point game so in my mind a forfeit is out of the question in a professional level game.

I don't have a problem with the fan getting taken out by the player. The fan got exactly what he deserved for entering the court and pushing the player.

However, there must be a consequence for the players that have committed an infraction of the rules so I don't have an issue with the players who were Disqualified (FIBA lingo for ejected). The FIBA rule book charges the officials to uphold the integrity of the game. Acts of violence are definitely not part of basketball and the video clearly shows acts of violence. Kudos to the 3 officials who got it right and enforced the rule.

My $0.02

[mutantducky]

Eject both players as I said, shoot the Tech for what player 9 did as it was uncalled for and goes by what the rulebook says.
But back to when the fan goes onto the court. He pushes a player.
Let's say his teammate defends him, or pushes the fan and not the punch like it was here. Or maybe the fan pushes him back or throws a punch. If the player defends himself, or does a push to get him off the court do you still call a T in that situation? I don't know if calling a Tech in that situation would be the right thing to do.