Bo Perasol charges at fan after Ateneo-La Salle tiff

By Paolo Mariano Posted Sep 1st 2013

The heated meeting between fierce rivals Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University on Sunday ended in controversy as Blue Eagles head coach Bo Perasol charged at a Green Archers fan after the game.

The Blue Eagles were making their way to the locker room at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum when a male La Salle fan, seated behind the Ateneo basket, allegedly hurled invectives at Perasol.The new Blue Eagles mentor lost his cool and angrily went back to the floor with his players and assistant coaches trying to pacify him. He shouted back and pointed repeatedly at the supporter.

“Kung matapang siya, ‘wag siya dun sa bakal (If he’s not a coward, he shouldn’t hide behind the railings),” said Perasol.

According to several members of Ateneo, the heckling fan was well-known Green Archers diehard Tony Atayde, who was seen walking away from the commotion and exiting through the players’ tunnel.

When Atayde left, Perasol turned his attention to another male La Salle supporter, who was also arguing with the tactician.

“Yes, it was him (Atayde) and another guy, someone reportedly named Mr. Tuazon,” said assistant coach Gabby Severino.

“One guy left but there was still this other guy,” said rookie Ivan Enriquez, who was one of the players physically restraining Perasol during the altercation.

Atayde, however, via his Twitter account, denied being involved in the incident: “Contrary to unconfirmed Twitter reports, I was nowhere near the altercation with Bo Perasol. Pictures can verify this.”

Security personnel were able to control the tense situation after several minutes.  

The Blue Eagles lost the match, 66-64, with Jeron Teng burying the game-winning basket.

Perasol received a technical foul in the final minute after charging to the court to complain to a referee.   

(Editor's Note: La Salle supporter who was confronted by Perasol was later identified as JJ Atayde)