Australia’s World Cup qualifier against the Philippines descended into madness on Monday night as an ugly, on-court brawl erupted involving players from both teams, officials and spectators.

Tensions boiled over with four minutes remaining in the third quarter with players and officials from both sides, plus a number of unruly fans, flooding the court in Bulacan.

The Boomers were cruising to victory with a 79-48 lead before the match descended into farce after Philippines guard Roger Pogoy lashed out at Australia’s Chris Goulding with an errant elbow.

Boomer Daniel Kickert retaliated with an elbow of his own on Pogoy, sparking an all-in brawl that included punches, elbows, kicks and objects including chairs and bottles hurled at players.

The Philippines’ Jayson Castro and Andray Blatche—the longtime Washington Wizards NBA player—escalated the fight with blindside attacks on Kickert, while Milwaukee Buck Thon Maker’s attempted fly kick was specially noted by commentators.

Watch the incident below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=281&v=Fmr0ry55zxg

The game was suspended for over 30 minutes as the referees assessed the situation.

A total of 13 players were ejected – nine from the Philippines along with Australia’s Goulding, Kickert, Maker and Nathan Sobey.

The Philippines were left with only three eligible players, but the match continued until two of their players deliberately fouled out to end the contest.

Scheduled post-match press conferences for both teams were cancelled in the aftermath of the incident.

The Philippine team appeared unrepentant as they posed for a selfie after the brawl as the referees deliberated.

Former Australia captain Andrew Bogut was among those to voice the anger over the display.

https://twitter.com/andrewbogut/status/1013769932847239169

https://twitter.com/andrewbogut/status/1013772113075830785

Basketball Australia’s Chief Executive Anthony Moore issued a statement following the match to apologise for the Boomers’ involvement in the violent incident.

“Basketball Australia deeply regrets the incident in tonight’s match between the Boomers and the Philippines in Manila,” Moore said.

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

Oh my god. He threw a chair! #Boomers pic.twitter.com/9T5bs5VLou

— Ricky Mangidis (@rickm18) July 2, 2018

All eyes will now turn to FIBA who will assess the incident with the likely outcome of suspensions or other disciplinary actions to players from both countries.

The Boomers defeated the Philippines 89-53 to finish top of their FIBA World Cup qualifying group.

Thon Maker out here throwing knees! 😳 #Boomers pic.twitter.com/feizBcSBkc

— Ricky Mangidis (@rickm18) July 2, 2018

-with AAP