The Philippines ended the game with just three players on court

Punches, kicks and chairs were thrown as a mass brawl broke out between players in a Philippines v Australia World Cup qualifying tie.

The Philippines ended the game with just three players left on court after nine of their side were ejected.

Four Australia players were also ejected from the game, which their side went on to win 89-53 in Manila.

The International Basketball Federation (Fiba) has opened disciplinary proceedings against both sides.

The fight broke out in the third quarter of the game at the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena.

Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao tweeted about the match

"Basketball Australia deeply regrets the incident in tonight's match between the Boomers and the Philippines in Manila. We are extremely disappointed with what happened and our role in it," Basketball Australia chief executive Anthony Moore said.

"This is not the spirit in which sport should be played and certainly not in the spirit in which we aim to play basketball.

"We apologise to our fans and will await the penalties to be handed down."

Nathan Sobey of Australia (right) was one of four Australians ejected from the game

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, said the incident was "the height of being unsportsmanlike", while the team's head coach Vincent Reyes said it was "absolutely unacceptable".

Roberto Puno, vice-chairman of the Philippines' basketball federation, said he was proud of the way the players had "stood their ground" and were "fighting for the Filipino people".

Australian centre Thon Maker, who plays in the NBA for Milwaukee Bucks and was one of the players ejected from the game, said he was defending his team-mates.

"I am deeply disappointed in the actions displayed during yesterday's game against the Philippines," he posted on social media.

"I take responsibility for my actions knowing that they were a result of my desire to protect my team-mates and myself."</s>The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. less

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, ... more

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. less

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, ... more

Australia's Nathan Sobey (R) lays-up against June Fajardo of the Philippines during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Australia's Nathan Sobey (R) lays-up against June Fajardo of the Philippines during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, ... more

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, ... more

Jason Castro (R) of the Philippines vies for the ball with Matthew Dellavedova of Australia during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Jason Castro (R) of the Philippines vies for the ball with Matthew Dellavedova of Australia during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of ... more

Australia's Kevin Lisch (C) drives to shoot against Philippine players during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Australia's Kevin Lisch (C) drives to shoot against Philippine players during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. ... more

Philippine (blue) and Australian (yellow) players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Philippine (blue) and Australian (yellow) players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. ... more

Philippine (blue) and Australian (yellow) players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Philippine (blue) and Australian (yellow) players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. ... more

Philippine and Australian players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Philippine and Australian players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by ... more

Mathew Wright (L) of the Philipines engage Daniel Kickert of Australia in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Mathew Wright (L) of the Philipines engage Daniel Kickert of Australia in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on ... more

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, ... more

Philippine and Australian players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBETED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images less

Philippine and Australian players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by ... more

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Basketball's international governing body has opened disciplinary hearings against Australia and the Philippines after a wild brawl that included Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker broke out in their Basketball World Cup qualifying game Monday.

The fight spilled into the area behind the baseline and video showed a chair being thrown at the back of an Australia player either by a fan or member of the Philippines team staff. Former NBA player Andray Blatche, now playing for the Philippines, appeared to throw multiple punches, while Maker came at a Philippines player with legs flying high as it continued.

A total of 13 players were ejected after the melee that began in the third quarter of Australia's 89-53 victory following a collision in the lane. The game continued with just three players from the Philippines.

Anthony Moore, chief executive of Australian basketball, apologized to fans in a statement, adding that "this is not the spirit in which sport should be played and certainly not in the spirit in which we aim to play basketball."

The Australians later tweeted that everyone on their team was safe and well . The Bucks said they would have no comment about Maker.

FIBA says a decision will be announced in the coming days.</s>(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez). The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia ...

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez). The Philippines' Jason William, centre, jumps to hit Australia's Daniel Kickert centre left as others rush to break the brawl during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocau...

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez). The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia ...

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez). The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia ...

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez). The Philippines players, left and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippin...

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Basketball's international governing body has opened disciplinary hearings against Australia and the Philippines after a wild brawl that included Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker broke out in their Basketball World Cup qualifying game Monday.

The fight spilled into the area behind the baseline and video showed a chair being thrown at the back of an Australia player either by a fan or member of the Philippines team staff. Former NBA player Andray Blatche, now playing for the Philippines, appeared to throw multiple punches, while Maker came at a Philippines player with legs flying high as it continued.

A total of 13 players were ejected after the melee that began in the third quarter of Australia's 89-53 victory following a collision in the lane. The game continued with just three players from the Philippines.

Anthony Moore, chief executive of Australian basketball, apologized to fans in a statement, adding that "this is not the spirit in which sport should be played and certainly not in the spirit in which we aim to play basketball."

The Australians later tweeted that everyone on their team was safe and well . The Bucks said they would have no comment about Maker.

FIBA says a decision will be announced in the coming days.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>Philippine and Australian players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

The Philippines' Jason William, centre, jumps to hit Australia's Daniel Kickert centre left as others rush to break the brawl during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Daniel Kickert of Australia elbows Roger Pogoy of the Philippines during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Group B qualifier match between the Philippines and Australia in Manila, Philippines, 02 July 2018. Picture: Supplied/ FIBA Telecast

Players from benches run to their teammates who figured in a brawl during the match between Australia and the Philippines for the FIBA Asian Qualifiers held at the Philippine Arena in the province of Bulacan, north of Manila in 02 July 2018. Australia beat the Philippines by default following a brawl in the third quarter that shocked basketball fans all over the world. (Photo by George Calvelo/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Nathan Sobey (C-R) of Australia gets into a brawl with Andray Blatche (back) and Calvin Abueva (C-L) of the Philippines during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Group B qualifier match between the Philippines and Australia in Manila, Philippines, 02 July 2018. EPA / MARK R. CRISTINO

Players from benches run to their teammates who figured in a brawl during the match between Australia and the Philippines for the FIBA Asian Qualifiers held at the Philippine Arena in the province of Bulacan, north of Manila in 02 July 2018. Australia beat the Philippines by default following a brawl in the third quarter that shocked basketball fans all over the world. (Photo by George Calvelo/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Mathew Wright (L) of the Philipines engage Daniel Kickert of Australia in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

The Philippines players, left and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine (blue) and Australian (yellow) players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

The Philippines and Australian basketball players react, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Australia's Matthew Delavedova (R) vies for the ball with Philippine's Andray Blatch during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Australia's Kevin Lisch (C) drives to shoot against Philippine players during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Australia's Nathan Sobey jumps over the Philippines' Andray Blache during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine and Australian players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Christopher Goulding (L) lies on the ground as Daniel Kickert (2-L) of Australia elbows Roger Pogoy (C) of the Philippines during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Group B qualifier match between the Philippines and Australia in Manila, Philippines, 02 July 2018. Picture: AAP

Australia's Mathew William Develladova is fouled by the Philippines' Andray Blache, center, during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. At left is Australia's Thon Marial Maker. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine's June Fajardo (#15) blocks a shot by Australia's Christopher Goulding during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

June Fajardo (R) of the Philippines blocks a shot of Australia's Angus Brandt during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Australia's Angus Brandt (#14) rebounds against June Fajardo (C) of the Philippines during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Australia's Nathan Sobey, foreground, drives past the Philippines' Roger Ray Pogoy during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Australia's Nathan Sobey scores a lay-up as the Philippines' June Mar Fajardo defends during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in suburban Bocaue township, Bulacan province north of Manila, Philippines. Australia defeated the Philippines 89-53 via default following a brawl in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Australia's Christopher Goulding jumps shot against Philippine's Andray Blatch during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Philippine (blue) and Australian (yellow) players engage in a brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Australia's Thon maker (C, yellow) slums a dunk against June Fajardo (L) of the Philippines during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Jason Castro (R) of the Philippines vies for the ball with Matthew Dellavedova of Australia during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE

Australia's Nathan Sobey (R) lays-up against June Fajardo of the Philippines during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game at the Philippine arena in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila on July 2, 2018. Australia won by default 89-53. / AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE</s>One moment in the brutal fight between basketball players for Australia and the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Fox Sports

A recent FIBA basketball game between Australia and the Philippines has made waves due to the breakout of what has been called "the biggest basketball brawl since the Malice at the Palace."

Members of the Philippines squad cleared the bench for the fight, and one NBA player, Thon Maker, got involved in the fight.

"It started when Australia's Daniel Kickert fouled Filipino guard Roger Pogoy and in response Jayson Castro threw a punch and former NBA journeyman Andray Blatche shoved an Australian player," according to Scooby Jaxson of Sports Illustrated.

Australia and The Philippines were meeting for a game during the first round of Asian qualifiers for the FIBA basketball World Cup.

But the players from the Philipines seemed pretty pleased with themselves for what had transpired.

A whopping nine players were ejected from the games, meaning that, according to Fox Sports Australia, the game had to continue five-versus-three.

Basketball Australia, the sport's governing body in Australia, has released a statement saying, "Basketball Australia deeply regrets the incident in tonight's match between the Boomers and the Philippines in Manila. We are extremely disappointed with what happened and our role in it . . . We apologise to our fans and will await the penalties to be handed down."

FIBA, meanwhile, has announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against both teams.</s>Basketball took a back seat on Monday during the FIBA World Cup qualifying game between Australia and Gilas Pilipinas when a massive brawl broke out.

The fight took place with four minutes left in the third quarter of the game and the Phillippines squad down by 31 points.

It started when Australia’s Daniel Kickert fouled Filipino guard Roger Pogoy and in response Jayson Castro threw a punch and former NBA journeyman Andray Blatche shoved an Australian player.

One NBA player, Milwaukee Bucks center Thon Maker, who was playing for Australia was in the middle of the brawl, kicking opponents.

Players from Gilas Pilipinas rushed onto to the floor as officials struggled to separate the players and clear the floor. No one from the Australian bench came onto the floor and a total of 13 players ended up being ejected.

"Following the incident that occured in the third quarter of the Philippines-Australia game on Monday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers, FIBA will now open disciplinary proceedings against both teams," FIBA said in a statement. "The decision(s) will be communicated in the coming days."

The incident came a day after Australia said it didn't mean to disrespect the Philippine basketball team after the removal of FIBA–approved stickers without permisssion at the Philippine Arena in Manila.

After the brawl, members of the Philippines men's basketball team were seen taking selfies.</s>A mass brawl erupted at an international basketball match between the Philippines and Australia on Monday, with players trading flying kicks and punches in extraordinary scenes which stunned onlookers.

Fighting spilled off the court as the game at the Philippine Arena outside Manila descended into farce, with officials powerless to restore order.

Footage of the melee even showed a chair being thrown in the area behind the baseline.

The fracas kicked off after a Philippine player appeared to catch an opponent with an elbow and the ensuing clashes saw a total of nine Philippine players and four Australians sent off.

In a bizarre twist, the Philippines team later posed for a group selfie.

Australian journalist Alex Hart tweeted: "What a disgrace. So many in the wrong, almost none in the right. Shameful for both Australia and the Philippines."

Basketball's governing body FIBA warned it will open disciplinary proceedings against both teams following the brawl at the Asian qualifiers for basketball's 2019 World Cup.

The chief executive of Basketball Australia Anthony Moore apologised for the violence.

"Basketball Australia deeply regrets the incident in tonight's match between the Boomers and the Philippines in Manila.

"We are extremely disappointed with what happened and our role in it."

He added: "This is not the spirit in which sport should be played and certainly not in the spirit in which we aim to play basketball.

"We apologise to our fans and will await the penalties to be handed down."</s>An international basketball game between Australia and the Philippines devolved into an all-out brawl Monday.

Thirteen players were ejected from Monday's FIBA World Cup qualifying game after the teams exchanged punches under one of the baskets midway through the third quarter. The Philippines was ultimately left with just three eligible players and had to forfeit later in the quarter when two of its remaining players fouled out, according to a report from ESPN5 in the Philippines. Australia won the game, 89-53.

ESPN5 reported that the fight at Philippine Arena started with a collision under Australia's basket. Video footage of the incident shows an Australian player then elbowing a Filipino guard in the head, which incited the brawl.

The Milwaukee Bucks' Thon Maker, playing for Australia, attempted to defend his teammates during the fight. But Terrence Bill Romeo of the Philippines punched Maker in the back of the head, so Maker kicked at Romeo.

Maker and former NBA player Andray Blatche were among the 13 who were ejected.

The fight eventually spilled off the court, with multiple players swinging fists, shoving and kicking. At one point, someone appeared to throw a red chair at an Australian player.

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"Following the incident that occured in the third quarter of the Philippines-Australia game on Monday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers, FIBA will now open disciplinary proceedings against both teams," FIBA said in a statement. "The decision(s) will be communicated in the coming days."

Representatives from the governing bodies of the Australian and Filipino teams did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.</s>Basketball Australia says world governing body FIBA will enter “new territory” when it investigates a bench-clearing brawl during Australia’s World Cup qualifying match against the Philippines Monday.

It would not rule out criminal charges being laid.

Thirteen players, including four Australians, were ejected for their part in the brawl which took place in the third quarter of the match at the Philippine Arena in Ciudad de Victoria. The match was won 79-48 by Australia.

READ MORE: Vancouver Nighthawks brought brawls and basketball to B.C. Place

Fighting erupted with four minutes left in the quarter when Australia’s Chris Goulding was knocked to the ground by an opponent, with Goulding’s teammate, Daniel Kickert, reacting by flooring a Philippines player with an elbow.

Philippines players and officials poured onto the court and a wild melee began. Australia’s Sudan-born NBA star Thon Maker was seen to aim several flying kicks at Philippines players and Goulding was trapped on the floor under a pile of players as punches were thrown and chairs were tossed into the arena by fans.

The Australian players were later helped to leave the arena, board a bus and return to their hotel by representatives of the Australian embassy.

Basketball Australia chief executive Anthony Moore said players were bruised and shaken but not seriously hurt. He said his organization would fully co-operate with any FIBA investigation or tribunal but he would not speculate on what sanctions might be imposed.

“I can’t speculate on what the sanctions will be because we’re actually in new territory in this regard,” Moore said. “We want to work with FIBA on the tribunal and get that outcome and we’ll assess our outcomes from there.

“We have briefed our lawyers on that, as you would expect us to do.”

Moore said Kickert’s retaliation after the foul on Goulding was an “unsavoury act.”

“Whilst we accept our responsibility for our role in last night’s incident, what we don’t accept is the action whereby fans and officials actually get involved in the fray,” Moore said. “We find that absolutely unacceptable.”

Moore said players feared for their safety in the “tinderbox” atmosphere inside the stadium.

“You will have seen in the vision our athletes and coaches actually stayed on the court for a considerable amount of time because that was deemed to be the safest place for our players and coaches,” he said. “That’s a fairly compelling set of circumstances; are we actually going to get out of here unscathed?

“Physically our players are fine. They’re bruised and battered … (but) all the players are shaken up and Chris in particular.”

Milwaukee Bucks centre Maker has defended his role in the incident, saying in a statement on Twitter that he was attempting to defend his teammates.

“I am deeply disappointed in the actions displayed during yesterday’s game against the Philippines,” Maker said. “Being from a war-torn country, basketball for me has always been a means to bring people together.

“I feel a great responsibility as an NBA player to carry myself in a way that promotes peace and unity.

“My hope is that this experience provides a springboard for discussion regarding the security surrounding these games.”</s>July 2 (Reuters) - Basketball's world governing body FIBA will open disciplinary proceedings against Australia and the Philippines after their World Cup 2019 Asian qualifier descended into chaos on Monday with 13 players ejected for brawling during the match.

Australia led 79-48 with four minutes left in the third quarter when Philippines guard Roger Pogoy struck Chris Goulding with an elbow. Goulding's team mate Daniel Kickert retaliated to spark a free-for-all with the crowd getting involved.

"FIBA will now open disciplinary proceedings against both teams. The decisions will be communicated in the coming days," FIBA tweeted.

Match officials spent over 30 minutes separating the players who had by then punched and kicked each other several times. The game eventually resumed in farcical fashion with Philippines fielding three players against Australia's five.

"Basketball Australia deeply regrets the incident in tonight's match between the Boomers and the Philippines. We are extremely disappointed with what happened and our role in it," Anthony Moore, the chief executive of Basketball Australia said http://basketball.net.au/statement-on-world-cup-qualifier-in-philippines.

"This is not the spirit in which sport should be played and certainly not in the spirit in which we aim to play basketball. We apologise to our fans and will await the penalties to be handed down."

The match, in Bulacan, in the Philippines, was eventually called off at the end of the third quarter with Australia leading 89-53, after the hosts lost another player due to a foul. (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru Editing by Alison Williams)
A brawl breaks out during a 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier match between the Philippines and Australia at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.