The Syrian Arab Basketball Federation has decided to form an independent and expanded investigation committee to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents that accompanied the Al-Wehda and Al-Karameh match at the Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall in Damascus, including the excesses and fan riots, following chants that sparked controversy regarding alleged disrespect to martyr Abdul Basit Al-Sarout.
The Federation clarified in a statement that the committee will review available reports and recordings, and hear from the concerned parties, with a view to taking disciplinary and legal measures against anyone proven responsible, in accordance with prevailing regulations and bylaws. The Federation emphasized its firm rejection of any behavior contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship and the principles of fair competition, or that insults national symbols and the dignity of Syria's martyrs, stressing the necessity of preventing the recurrence of such events and preserving the reputation of Syrian basketball.
For his part, Al-Karameh Club condemned, in a statement published on its official Facebook page, what it described as insults and abuse directed by a minority of Al-Wehda fans at martyr Abdul Basit Al-Sarout, calling on the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Basketball Federation, and relevant authorities to open an urgent investigation, identify those responsible, and hold them accountable according to prevailing laws.
In response, Al-Wehda Club clarified in a statement that the tension accompanying the match resulted from mutual chants between fans, affirming that the chants related to martyr Abdul Basit Al-Sarout were intended to pray for his soul, not to insult him or diminish his status. The Al-Wehda Club statement also affirmed that martyr Al-Sarout is a symbol of the Syrian revolution and holds a high status and great respect among the Syrian people.
The match between the two teams at the Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall in Damascus ended with Al-Wehda defeating Al-Karameh with a score of 61-58.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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