25.08.13.Today News : Middle School Basketball Assault Leads to Harsh Penalties for Player and Coach

Middle School Basketball Assault Leads to Harsh Penalties for Player and Coach

• Violent altercation during semifinals includes player punch and coach shoving referee

During the semifinals of a middle school basketball tournament in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, a player assaulted an opponent and a coach shoved a referee, leading to severe disciplinary actions from the league.

During the semifinals of a middle school basketball tournament, a player assaulted another player and a coach assaulted a referee, prompting the league to impose severe disciplinary measures on the offending player and coach.

On February 12, 2025, at the Yanggu Culture and Sports Center in Gangwon Province, a serious act of violence occurred during the semifinals of the “Korea Middle and High School Basketball Weekend League Championship.” The match between Samil Middle School and Yongsan Middle School turned tense in the second quarter, escalating into physical confrontation.

A coach from Samil Middle aggressively protested a referee’s call, shoving the official and earning an immediate ejection. As tensions on the court rose, Samil player “A” suddenly punched Yongsan player “B” in the face during a rebound battle.

Player B collapsed instantly and was given first aid before being taken to the hospital. He required five stitches above his eye and was suspected to have an orbital fracture, prompting his transfer to a larger hospital in Seoul. Meanwhile, player A, despite being ejected, appeared unwilling to acknowledge his wrongdoing.

In response, the Korea Middle and High School Basketball Federation handed down a three years and six months suspension to player A — effectively ending his competitive career as a student athlete. The coach was also banned from official duties for two years for shoving the referee and failing to manage his players.

Despite losing both the coach and player to ejections, Samil Middle won the game 72–67 to advance to the finals, but fell short the next day, losing 80–82 to Yangjeong Middle School.

One-line summary : A middle school basketball semifinal saw both a player assault and a coach shove a referee, resulting in long-term suspensions.