In a FIBA World Cup game between Lebanon and Ivory Coast, a referee’s bad aim led to a strange and hilarious sequence of five passes before a free throw attempt.
What happened in the game?
Lebanon beat Ivory Coast, 94-84, in the FIBA World Cup on Thursday. During the first quarter, Jean-Philippe Dally went to the line for some free throws. Teammates and opponents lined up along the lane as is tradition and everything seemed normal, but then the referee threw a curveball. Or, more accurately, a bounce pass… No. Wait. Actually it wasn’t accurate because he threw it to the wrong player.
As the official backpeddled he threw the ball to Lebanon guard Karim Zeinoun instead of Dally, the free throw shooter. Zeinoun was very confused and then threw a soft bounce pass to Dally who then tossed it to another referee who hit the original referee with a bounce pass as he cut back towards the basket. And then he threw the ball to the person who was actually supposed to have it. By the time the free throw was actually attempted, five passes had been thrown.
Why did the referee make such a mistake?
It is not clear why the referee made such a blunder in throwing the ball to the wrong player. Perhaps he was distracted by something or simply had a lapse of concentration. Maybe he was trying to be funny or creative with his pass. Whatever the reason, it was certainly an embarrassing moment for him and an amusing one for everyone else.
The referee’s bad aim caused a lot of confusion and laughter among the players, coaches, and fans. Some of them looked puzzled, some of them smiled, and some of them shook their heads in disbelief. The commentators also had a hard time keeping their composure as they witnessed the bizarre bounce pass sequence.
How did the game end?
Despite the referee’s mishap, the game continued without any further incidents. Lebanon won the game by 10 points and advanced to the next round of the FIBA World Cup. Ivory Coast was eliminated from the tournament after losing all three of their games.
Both teams shot well from the free throw line in this game, with Ivory Coast making 15-of-17 and Lebanon connecting on 20-of-25. With crisp ball movement like that before each attempt, it’s no wonder why.
The FIBA World Cup is an international basketball competition that features 32 teams from around the world. The tournament is held every four years and determines the world champion of basketball. The current edition of the FIBA World Cup is being hosted by China and will end on September 15.
