Spain and France basketball stars scuffle during ... - BBC World News

Spain emerged victors in a bruising encounter against France in their Olympic basketball quarter-final, which saw a fight break out after Juan Carlos Navarro was struck in the groin. Officials try to separate the players after a foul by France?s Nicolas Batum (Picture: Reuters) Navarro dropped to the ground after he appeared to be hit in his nether region by French rival Nicolas Batum during the fourth quarter. The Spaniard squirmed around on the ground, seemingly in great pain, after the misjudged attempt to win back possession. His team-mates quickly ran towards Batum, angered at what had just happened, and a scuffle ensued between the two teams, with officials trying to calm things down. A scuffle breaks out after Spain?s Juan-Carlos Navarro, left, is fouled (Picture: AP) The Spanish were already angry after France?s Ronny Turiaf had previously knocked Rudy Fernandez to the floor, with the latest incident seeming to be one step, or foul, too far. Batum had to be restrained by team-mates and officials as the angry Spanish players circled. The Portland Trail Blazers forward later apologised for his actions on Twitter, he wrote: ?Do not remember my stupid gesture at the end, but the collective performance during the tournament of a team proud to fight for their country. ?I?m sorry I?ve shown an image like that of basketball and of France. The frustration and rage overtook me. I have no excuse.? Up and away: Spanish guard Sergio Llull (L) takes on French centre Ronny Turiaf (Picture: AFP/Getty) But French coach Vincent Collet was not in an apologetic mood and instead chose to criticise a Spanish reporter who asked him a question. ?Basketball is a physical game,? he said. ?We are not going to take any lessons from a Spanish journalist. ?Your guys don?t make any gifts to us, and we don?t make any gifts to you.? Spain?s (L) and France?s players come together at the end of the ill tempered game (Picture: AFP/Getty) Spain coach Sergio Scariolo said both Fernandez and Navarro had received treatment after the game and would be doubtful for the semi-final. ?They are bad right now,? he added. ?They will go through treatment for the rest of day. ?Right now it is difficult to say that somehow they will be able to play.? Spain eventually won the match 66-59 and will take on Russia in the semi-final on Friday. If they progress they will face United States or Argentina, who are contesting the other last four tie. VIDEO: Watch the Nicolas Batum foul that started the scuffle

Source: http://bbc-worldnews.net/2012/08/spain-and-france-basketball-stars-scuffle-during-olympic-quarter-final/

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