Australia, Philippines players brawl in World Cup qualifier

Basketball Australia says world governing body FIBA will enter "new territory" when it investigates a bench-clearing brawl during Australia's World Cup qualifying match against the Philippines Monday.

It would not rule out criminal charges being laid.

Thirteen players, including four Australians, were ejected for their part in the brawl which took place in the third quarter of the match at the Philippine Arena in Ciudad de Victoria. The match was won 7948 by Australia.

Fighting erupted with four minutes left in the quarter when Australia's Chris Goulding was knocked to the ground by an opponent, with Goulding's teammate Daniel Kickert reacting by flooring a Philippines player with an elbow.

Philippines players and officials poured onto the court and a wild melee began. Australia's Sudanborn NBA star Thon Maker was seen to aim several flying kicks at Philippines players and Goulding was trapped on the floor under a pile of players as punches were thrown and chairs were tossed into the arena by fans.

The Australian players were later helped to leave the arena, board a bus and return to their hotel by representatives of the Australian embassy.

Basketball Australia chief executive Anthony Moore said players were bruised and shaken but not seriously hurt. He said his organization would fully co-operate with any FIBA investigation or tribunal but he would not speculate on what sanctions might be imposed.

"I can't speculate on what the sanctions will be because we're actually in new territory in this regard," Moore said. "We want to work with FIBA on the tribunal and get that outcome and we'll assess our outcomes from there.

"We have briefed our lawyers on that, as you would expect us to do."

Moore said Kickert's retaliation after the foul on Goulding was an "unsavory act."

Moore said players feared for their safety in the "tinderbox" atmosphere inside the stadium.