By RNZ

Breakers point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright has been suspended for five Australian NBL matches after a referee was knocked to the ground during their Christmas Day match defeat against Tasmania.

Jackson-Cartwright was charged with grabbing, pushing or mishandling a game official, who hit the ground while attempting to restrain him during an altercation with a Tasmanian player during their 97-82 loss.

Jackson-Cartwright was knocked to the floor by former Breaker Reuben Te Rangi with 3m 33s remaining in Wednesday’s game in Hobart. In response, the American import got to his feet and charged at Te Rangi before referees stepped in.

The official was knocked over while attempting to restrain Jackson-Cartwright. Their altercation was defused as the officials separated both players from one another. Neither player was ejected from the game.

The NBL Game Review Panel did an assessment of the incident and referred Jackson-Cartwright to a single-member tribunal, who heard the case on Saturday.

The NBL said it respected the tribunal’s decision. The Breakers can appeal the decision to a full member tribunal.

- RNZ