Hibernians Basketball Club distance themselves from comments, footage made on tripping incident

Hibernians Basketball Club distanced themselves from comments made on social media regarding the incident involving Starlites coach Paul Ferrante and Hibernians player Derek Brown during Sunday’s Knock Out final at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion.

Starlites won 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.

‼️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

On Tuesday morning, Brown wrote on his social media a statement where he accused the Malta Basketball Association of taking no action about the incident and accused the governing body of threatening him to be banned should he fails to remove his posts and video footage on social media.

The Malta Basketball Association opened an investigation on the matter and decided to issue charges against both Ferrante and Brown.

The case will be heard in front of the MBA Disciplinary Board on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Hibernians BC said that they were distancing themselves from the comments and footage that were posted on social media by persons outside the club.

“Hibernians Basketball Club disassociates itself from any comments and footage appearing on social media other than the Club’s official site,” the club said in a statement.

“The Club continues to support and promote the integrity of the game at all spheres and at all levels, as it has always done.”

Starlites Basketball Club also issued a statement whereby they condemned any form of unsportsmanlike conduct or misconduct both on and off the court as well as unethical behaviour by players and coaches that could result in unwanted actions during games.

“Starlites Basketball Club refers to the incident that occurred during the Knock-Out final between Starlites and Hibernians, played on Sunday, 2 March 2025, at the MBA Complex,” the club said in a statement.

“The club strongly reiterates its commitment to sportsmanship, ethics in sports, and, above all, the game of basketball. In this regard, Starlites Basketball Club firmly condemns any forms of unsportsmanlike conduct or misconduct, both on and off the court.

“The club also condemns all acts of provocation and unethical behaviour by players and coaches that could result in unwanted actions during competitive games.

“Starlites Basketball Club remains committed to promoting the values of sportsmanship and discipline in all its activities, including training sessions and competitive games.

“This commitment is also reflected in the way Starlites Basketball Club has consistently operated across all its categories.

“As part of the club’s practices which include regular training camps and educational talks, the values of sports ethics, integrity and sportsmanship are emphasised. Such values have always been at the core of Starlites Basketball Club.

“Furthermore, the club is fully cooperating with the Malta Basketball Association and the MBA Disciplinary Board to ensure that the core values of basketball are not only upheld but also effectively promoted across all categories.

“In view of the investigation being carried out by the Association, Starlites will not engage in public comments.”