Riyadi's Ali Mansour (center) drives to the basket past Sagesse's Youssef Khayyat (left) and Ali Mezher during Game 3 of the Lebanese basketball championship finals at Saeb Salam Stadium in Beirut's Manara district, July 26, 2026. (Credit: Lebanese Basketball Federation)
The Lebanese Basketball Federation fined Riyadi and Sagesse $25,000 and $10,000, respectively, over incidents during Games 2 and 3 of the Lebanese championship finals, opting for financial penalties instead of forcing the remaining games to be played behind closed doors.
Six Riyadi supporters were suspended for the rest of the season for insulting chants during Sunday's Game 3, which Riyadi won 87-85.
Riyadi coach Ahmad Farran was fined $4,000 for verbally confronting a referee, while Sagesse coach Joe Ghattas received a $2,000 fine for his behavior toward Farran. Riyadi forward Sekou Doumbouya was also fined $4,000 for making gestures toward opposing fans.
The federation warned that any further incidents would trigger harsher penalties, including games behind closed doors, and urged both clubs to help preserve the image of Lebanese basketball.
Youth and Sports Minister Nora Bayrakdarian also condemned the insults and offensive chants heard during the series, saying they undermine the reputation of Lebanese basketball at home and abroad.
Provocative chants have long been a feature of high-profile Lebanese basketball games, particularly between Riyadi and Sagesse, and have repeatedly sparked disciplinary action. In 2024, FIBA suspended Riyadi's Ultras supporters for a year after they attacked the Sagesse bench during a West Asia Super League game.
Despite the tensions, the rivalry has also produced moments of sportsmanship. During Friday's Game 2 in Ghazir, Sagesse fans applauded injured Riyadi star Wael Arakji as he left the court with a torn knee ligament.
Riyadi leads the best-of-seven finals 2-1 and is two wins away from a record-extending 33rd Lebanese championship. Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday in Ghazir.
