Australian players banned for basketball World Cup qualifier brawl

CANBERRA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Australian basketball player Daniel Kickert was imposed a five-match ban for unsportsmanlike behavior by international body FIBA on Thursday for his brawl involvement during an 2019 World Cup Asian qualifier in Manila on July 2.

Basketball Australia said Milwaukee Bucks forward Thom Maker was banned three games, Chris Goulding suspended one game.

Basketball Australia had been imposed a fine of 110,000 U.S. dollars for removing floor decals during team training on the day before the match.

Australian veteran Kickert was seen to elbow a Philippines player in response to a foul on Goulding before the brawl erupted.

Philippine basketball officials were expected to announce the sanctions on its team later on Thursday.