The president of Beirut Club, Nadim Hakim, stated that "in light of the decision issued by the Lebanese Basketball Federation on 14/2/2024, which involved suspending our player Ali Mezher for one match, barring him from entering the court, and fining him 40 units due to the match between our team and Al-Hikmah Club on 11/2/2024, it was necessary for us to issue this statement as the aforementioned decision was based on false and distorted facts that were intentionally fabricated to support the suspension decision. Ali Mezher did not commit any error that would warrant such a decision against him. On the contrary, the player faced the worst kinds of insults and abuses that we are ashamed to mention from the moment he entered the court until his departure, and these actions constituted a criminal offense."
He added: "In this context, we would like to thank the president of the Basketball Federation, Mr. Akram Halabi, and its secretary general, Mr. Charbel Rizk, for taking the necessary measures with the security forces and the Lebanese Army to ensure the safety of the players and officials of the club, allowing them to leave the court safely. Instead of thanking player Ali Mezher for his sportsmanship and adherence to the rules during the match, without any provocations or gestures, the federation suspended him based on distorted and false facts derived from the referee's report. If the refereeing team had observed any 'provocations' or gestures from player Ali Mezher, they would have taken the necessary measures during the match."
Nadim Hakim continued: "Accordingly, we request that the Lebanese Basketball Federation kindly provide us with evidence of Ali Mezher's commission of any of the violations he has been accused of. Therefore, it is important for Beirut Club to clarify the truth to the public and the club's supporters, especially regarding the incorrectness of the decision issued against player Ali Mezher, hoping that the Basketball Federation will give this statement the necessary attention."
