A fairly-officiated game that will be decided by the players, not the referees.
This, according to nowheretogobutUP Foundation Chairman Atty. Agaton Uvero, is what the UP community is hoping for in the UP Maroons-De La Salle Green Archers matchup on Wednesday, a game that will decide which teams make it to the UAAP Final Four.
“We just want a game that will be decided by the performances of the players, not by the whistles of the referees. We do not want a repeat of the past, another scenario wherein poor officiating can influence the outcome of the game,” stressed the lawyer.
Uvero was referring to the controversial 82-75 La Salle victory over Adamson last year in their Final Four game. The match’s referees were suspended three days after the game in which Adamson was called for 33 fouls, while La Salle was whistled for only 12.
“We just want a game that will be decided by the performances of the players, not by the whistles of the referees.”
The calls were credited for helping La Salle overcome a 15-point deficit in the third period, allowing them to pull the come-from-behind victory.
After the game, UAAP officials led by league commissioner Rebo Saguisag admitted sharing the outrage of Adamson athletic officials.
Uvero revealed that his group would be tapping the services of veteran referees to monitor the game and provide “an objective assessment” of the officiating.
“Admittedly, it is hard not to be biased in the heat of the moment. These referee-consultants will help us better appreciate the calls, help us better determine if the officiating is fair or not,” explained Uvero.
“These referee-consultants will help us better appreciate the calls, help us better determine if the officiating is fair or not.”
Uvero added that he expects both teams “to play their hearts out” because of “what is at stake.”
“All we want is for the boys to have a fair shake. Let them play, let them decide who wins and who does not. Not the referees.”
