Milan, Italy – Following games played on March 21st and 22nd, 2026, the Italian Basketball League (LBA) has issued a series of fines to clubs across both Serie A and Serie A2. The disciplinary actions, announced Monday, address offenses ranging from fan behavior to conduct by team officials, highlighting ongoing concerns about maintaining sportsmanship and respect within the leagues.
The most substantial fines were levied against teams in Serie A, Italy’s top professional basketball division. According to the league’s statement, Dolomiti Energia Trento was fined €600 for sporadic, collective offenses by the public directed towards game officials. Nutribullet Treviso faced a significantly larger penalty of €2,666 for collective and frequent offenses aimed at a specifically identified player. Guerri Napoli was also sanctioned with a €1,332 fine for isolated and frequent offenses directed at a player.
These fines underscore the league’s commitment to addressing unacceptable behavior from fans and ensuring a respectful environment for players and referees. The specific articles of the league’s regulations cited in each case – referencing RG rec., RG, and related articles – demonstrate a detailed application of the rules.
Serie A2, the second tier of Italian professional basketball, also saw disciplinary action. Valtur Brindisi was fined €833 for collective and frequent offenses by the public towards the referees. Although, the penalties extended beyond financial sanctions to include suspensions for team personnel.
Piero Bianco, the medical staff member for Valtur Brindisi, has been suspended until March 29th, 2026, for repeatedly protesting, gesticulating, and verbally abusing the referees throughout a game. Fernando Marino, the president of Valtur Brindisi, received a more severe suspension, lasting until April 6th, 2026. The league found Marino guilty of repeatedly offending referees, entering the court during play and at halftime, and inciting a reaction from the team’s supporters.
The actions taken against Bianco and Marino represent a strong stance against inappropriate conduct by team officials, emphasizing the responsibility of leadership to uphold standards of sportsmanship. The league’s decision to suspend both individuals for extended periods sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Flats Service Bologna was fined €1,513 for actions that disrupted the regular flow of a game. The fine stemmed from the home crowd chanting offensive slogans towards opposing fans during the national anthem, as well as sporadic offenses directed at the referees and the throwing of a glass of beer onto the court, which briefly halted play. Ferraroni Cremona was fined €833 for collective and frequent offenses by the public towards the referees.
The incident in Bologna highlights the challenges leagues face in managing fan behavior and maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere at games. The temporary suspension of play due to the thrown object underscores the potential for disruptions and the require for effective security measures.
It’s vital to note that the “RG” references within the league’s announcements pertain to the league’s internal regulations. These regulations provide the framework for disciplinary actions and ensure consistency in the application of penalties. While the specific details of these regulations aren’t publicly available, the league’s consistent use of these references demonstrates a commitment to due process and transparency.
These disciplinary actions come at a crucial point in the season as teams across both Serie A and Serie A2 battle for playoff positioning. The fines and suspensions could have a significant impact on team morale and performance in the coming weeks. For teams like Valtur Brindisi, the absence of key personnel like their president could create challenges both on and off the court.
The LBA’s response to these incidents reflects a broader trend in professional sports leagues worldwide, where there is increasing scrutiny of fan behavior and a growing emphasis on creating a positive and inclusive game-day experience. Leagues are actively working to address issues such as racism, violence, and disrespectful conduct, and are implementing stricter penalties to deter such behavior.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on ensuring that these disciplinary measures are effective in preventing future incidents. The league will likely continue to monitor fan behavior closely and work with clubs to promote sportsmanship and respect. The next round of Serie A and Serie A2 games will be closely watched to see if these actions have a positive impact on the atmosphere at games.
Fans and stakeholders can stay updated on league news and disciplinary actions through the official LBA website, legabasket.it. The league regularly publishes announcements and updates on its website, providing transparency and keeping the basketball community informed.
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