Basketball Ireland have awarded the 2019/20 Men's Super League title to Belfast Star after league leaders Tralee Warriors were docked six points after committing 'an unintentional rule violation' towards the end of the season.
Tralee had held a three-point lead in the standings and looked highly likely to retain their league title. However, with the season suspended due to ongoing public health concerns, the league was suspended.
What followed was a six-point deduction for the team, withBelfast Star to move to the top of the league. That is set to be the final standings, allowing Star to claim the title.
In a statement released today, Basketball Ireland said:
The Men’s National Competitions Committee (MNCC) at Basketball Ireland has today confirmed that Belfast Star have been declared the 2019/20 Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League champions.
The decision comes following the outcome of an arbitration hearing held earlier this week, which has found that Garvey’s Tralee Warriors committed an unintentional rule violation towards the end of the playing season.
Speaking today, Chair of the MNCC, Bernard O’Byrne stated: “Both Tralee Warriors and Belfast Star have accepted the result of the hearing, the appeal process and the outcome. They have congratulated each other on a fantastic season of basketball and wish each other well. The MNCC would like to take this opportunity to express their appreciation to both clubs for their sportsmanlike attitude.”
With all basketball activity in Ireland currently suspended, the presentation of the league trophy and medals will take place at a later date to be confirmed in due course.
