Teen spectator in VIP seat hauled out of arena after hurling ball at China players
A 16-year-old spectator was ejected from a basketball game in China after throwing a ball at players during a FIBA World Cup qualifier. The incident occurred during a tense match between China and Lebanon, leading to a police reprimand for the minor.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of fan conduct in professional sports and the legal consequences for spectators who interfere with active gameplay.
Yang Hansen scored a dramatic late winner to give China an 89-87 victory over Lebanon in their Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers clash on Monday, in a game almost overshadowed by a fan throwing a ball that hit the home star.
The 21-year-old Yang sealed the win at the Xishi Basketball Centre in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, with a buzzer-beating bank shot, improving China’s record to 5-3 in the second stage of qualifying and keeping them third in their group.
China had squandered a six-point lead with 40 seconds remaining after a series of defensive lapses and a foul on a three-point attempt allowed Lebanon to tie the game at 87-87 with 4.1 seconds left.
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