Fans throw coins at Washington after controversial Ginebra-Globalport game – report

MANILA, Philippines – Fueled by frustration, PBA fans reportedly resorted to throwing coins at Globalport forward Jay Washington Sunday, December 27 outside the Mall of Asia Arena.

According to Marisse Panaligan of GMA News Online, angry fans hurled coins at Washington’s car, clearly still upset over the controversial 84-83 overtime loss of Barangay Ginebra to Globalport in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup knockout quarterfinals.

Washington, who finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds in the victory, was inside his car and driving away from the arena and reportedly yelled back at the fans, “Better luck next conference!”

The Ginebra-Globalport sudden death match was marred by a controversial end as the Gin Kings were left stunned over what is perceived to be a non-call in the final 8-second possession of the Batang Pier.

In that last posssession, Washington received the ball on the inbound then handed it off to Stanley Pringle and Ginebra immediately attempted a trap on the guard by the halfcourt line.

But as the seconds ticked away, no foul call or 5-second ball-hogging violation was called on Pringle before he was finally able to pass the ball out to Terrence Romeo on the wing and time expired.

PBA players took to Twitter to try and placate fans, particularly Ginebra fans, who rained boos on the celebration of Globalport after the game.

We can’t throw coins when we’re mocked “@AkoSiDaddyNate: Jay Wash mocked the fans bro. Cant blame em”

— Kelly Williams (@KelWilliams21) December 27, 2015

NLEX’s Rob Reyes chimed in on Twitter saying Washington was with his wife and kid and they, too, had to dodge coins.

For the record Jay had his wife and kid with them who had to dodge coins also..but a little trolling makes it ok to throw coins at kids..smh

— Rob Reyes (@theREALrob22) December 27, 2015

Ginebra’s Joe Devance tried was quick to try and pacify fans via Twitter.

Hey Ginebra Fans i hope its not true of the news of vandalizing globalport players cars and harassing them. They did their job and we didnt

— joe devance (@jdv_38) December 27, 2015

Lets respect that. I love your passion and heart for us. Lets continue to get better!! #NSD #ginebra

— joe devance (@jdv_38) December 27, 2015

Meanwhile, guard Romeo also told fans to not waste the coins.

Grabe walang batuhan ng piso sayang yun pera rin po yun. sports lang po.

— Terrence Romeo (@tbvromeo) December 27, 2015

The fans, however, also stayed outside of the arena to wait for the Ginebra team and cheer them on, as seen in this video uploaded by Gin Kings assistant coach Richard Del Rosario.

Napasaya namin kayo nung Pasko. Pinasaya niyo naman kami ngayon kahit natalo. Maraming Salamat po!#NSD pic.twitter.com/fcoZBSQyTs

— Richard del Rosario (@charddelrosario) December 27, 2015

Ginebra assistant coach Olsen Racela said the team did not talk about any plans for a protest inside the locker room after the loss, but they will instead meet about it Monday. 

Ginebra head coach Tim Cone politely refused interview requests after the game and immediately left the arena, saying he does not want to say anything lest he get into trouble.

Cone also took to Twitter and vowed Ginebra will be back stronger next conference.

Players played their hearts out, fans screamed their hearts out. Despite the loss, that makes it a great night. We’ll be back stronger. #NSD

— Tim Cone (@manilacone) December 27, 2015

According to PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial, Cone signed the official scorecard and the team will have until 12 noon on Monday, December 28 to file a letter of protest together with a bond of at least Php 20,000. – Rappler.com