Yeng Guiao calls out Israel Romero Fernandez for kicking Nick Demusis in Dubai Invitational

Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez has found himself at the center of controversy after a shocking on-court incident during the Dubai International Basketball Invitational. The Cuban-Puerto Rican forward was captured on video assaulting Zamboanga Valientes’ Nick Demusis, kicking him twice following a collision during the game. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and raised serious questions about sportsmanship and disciplinary action in international basketball competitions.

The incident occurred on January 28, with Romero Fernandez representing Al Ahli Tripoli, and it quickly drew the ire of the basketball community—not least Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao. Guiao, known for his passionate defense of players, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Romero Fernandez’s actions were inexcusable and should have consequences.

“The Romero-Demusis incident would have been a lot more complicated if Nick was playing for Rain or Shine when the incident happened. Hindi sya matitiis ng teammates n’ya na gawin sa kanya ng opposing player ang ganun bagay,” Guiao said in a media interaction.

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Guiao’s reaction is understandable given the strong bond between Demusis and his former Rain or Shine teammates. The 34-year-old guard spent three years with the Elasto Painters after being acquired from the Phoenix Fuel Masters as part of the Javee Mocon trade, forging close ties with the team and building a reputation as a reliable leader on and off the court.

🚨 Escándalo en el básquet internacional

📌 Ismael Romero le dio una patada en la cabeza a un rival en pleno partido, fue suspendido por el resto del torneo y se evalúan sanciones legales.#basketball pic.twitter.com/UeSAIF8MNE

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“Understandably, Rain or Shine is more invested in our relationship with Nick than the Zamboanga Valientes were, considering the time he spent with us and his closeness to his teammates. Sure glad we did not have to go through the experience with Nick. Saved us a lot of trouble, probably Romero, too,” Guiao added.

The controversy has sparked further discussion in the basketball community, particularly as the East Asia Super League (EASL) prepares for its next slate of games. Guiao expressed concerns over whether Romero Fernandez should be allowed to participate in Meralco Bolts’ upcoming game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, given his recent behavior. Many fans and observers have echoed the sentiment that such actions should not go unpunished, especially in high-level competitions where professionalism and discipline are paramount.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes have pursued formal action by filing a police complaint in Dubai, demonstrating their commitment to holding players accountable for dangerous conduct. Surprisingly, Romero Fernandez has yet to issue a statement or apology regarding the incident, a silence that has only intensified scrutiny from fans, coaches, and sports analysts alike.

The fallout from the incident has reignited conversations about player conduct, league regulations, and the responsibility of imports in professional basketball. With international tournaments becoming increasingly prominent for Filipino players and teams, incidents like this highlight the importance of enforcing strict codes of conduct and ensuring the safety of all participants on the court.

As basketball authorities assess the situation, attention now turns to whether Romero Fernandez will face any disciplinary measures from the leagues he participates in, and whether the Meralco Bolts will allow him to take the court in their upcoming EASL matchup. For Demusis, the focus remains on recovery and moving forward from what could have been a career-altering incident, while for the basketball community, the Romero Fernandez episode serves as a reminder of the thin line between competitive aggression and unacceptable violence in professional sports.

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