Watch: Starlites coach Ferrante, Hibs player Brown charged by MBA after tripping incident in Cup final

Starlites JSD coach Paul Ferrante and Hibernians player Derek Brown were both charged by the Malta Basketball Association following an incident during Sunday’s Knock Out final at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

Starlites on the title in dramatic fashion when a three-pointer from Max Curran in the final second of the match handed the Malta champions a 75-74 win and retained the title.

However, the match was overshadowed by an incident involving Ferrante and Brown in the opening quarter of the match.

Footage of the match shows Starlites coach Ferrante tripping Brown when he attempts to break forward for his team.

On Tuesday morning, Brown revealed the incident on his X account and criticised the Malta Basketball Association for not taking any action against the Starlites coach and revealed that the governing body threatened him with suspension if he didn’t remove video footage of the incident.

‼️As I’m continuing my professional career here in Malta I was attacked by the other teams coach! He hurt me by tripping me during a cup final. The @maltabasketball has done nothing about this as I was threatened with suspension if I don’t take down these videos! ‼️ @FIBA pic.twitter.com/B71tXiksb2

— Derek Brown🏁 (@WatchMeWork11) March 3, 2025

“As I’m continuing my professional career here in Malta I was attacked by the other teams coach! He hurt me by tripping me during a cup final. The @maltabasketball has done nothing about this as I was threatened with suspension if I don’t take down these videos!”

The Malta Basketball Association issued a statement on Tuesday evening that they had issued charged against both Ferrante and Brown.

Ferrante was charged for alleged misconduct while the MBA has opened investigation on Brown’s comments on social media on the matter.

“The Malta Basketball Association makes reference to the Knock-Out final between Starlites and Hibernians, played on Sunday, 2 March, 2025 at the MBA Complex,” the MBA said in a statement.

“The Association’s Disciplinary Commissioner has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Starlites coach Paul Ferrante over alleged misconduct during Sunday’s match. The MBA also acknowledges the receipt of a report from Hibernians BC about the on-court incident whereby the alleged offence took place during the afore-mentioned game.

“The Malta Basketball Association has also taken cognizance of the comments and posts made by Hibernians BC player Derek Brown on his personal social media account/s. The Association’s Disciplinary Commissioner has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Mr Brown over violations of the MBA’s Disciplinary Code.”

While reaffirming its full commitment to safeguard and protect the integrity of basketball in Malta, the MBA vowed to vigorously tackle any allegations or claims of any acts or attempts that go against the spirit of fair play in accordance with the Association’s regulations.