In spite of Sunday, disciplinary technical commission of Georgian Basketball Federation held a meeting. The incident which occurred in the match of MIA and “Sokhumi” is the reason of this meeting. 13,3 seconds before the end of the match, Besik Lejava (MIA) hit referee Maka Kupatadze in the face and kicked foot in her stomach. Now, Kupatadze is at hospital for treatment.

Unfortunately, Georgian Basketball Federation did not think that it was necessary to inform press about the time of the meeting. That is why, we (worldsport.ge) could not manage to receive information on time and then to spread it.

We contacted Gia Mikadze, head of DTC, to talk about the decision of DTC.

Gia Mikadze: DTC gave one year and half disqualification to Lejava and he will not be able to play till January 1, 2013.

- TV channels – “Rustavi 2” and “Imedi” announced that Lejava was fined with 1000 USD…

- It is not true. DTC gave him one year and half disqualification. The management of MIA fined him with 5000 GEL.

- Were there talks about more strict punishment?

- This fact is terrible. One cannot justify the fact of beating woman. I have never seen it in basketball. Lejava deserved stricter punishment but we considered that he is 25 years old, is one of the best players of Georgian national championship and gave him one year and half disqualification.

- Did Besik Lejava attend the meeting?

- Lejava did not attend it but he was in the federation. He talked to president of the federation Besik Liparteliani. He feels sorry and apologizes to Maka and to the whole Georgia.

- May Lejava get amnesty?

- There is nothing written about it in rules. I cannot say what will happen in future.

- Representatives of MIA stated that first Kupatadze insulted Lejava. Do you know what they are talking about?

- I do not know and I am interested in it. Even if Kupatadze had insulted him, his behavior cannot be justified.

- Did MIA have any protest after the match?

- There was no protest after the match. So, DTC has no complaints toward the referees.

- How does Maka feel now?

- Maka is at hospital for treatment.

Roland Labuchidze