Total Pro Sports - It was supposed to be a friendly exhibition game, but things turned ugly late in the second half after Italy's Stefano Mancinelli elbowed Canada's Aaron Doornekamp in the back of the head.  That would spark a bench clearing brawl between the two clubs, bringing back memories of previous incidents we have witnessed in lacrosse and handball games.

Thankfully it was brought under control before it could reach such a point.

Following the cheap shot, several Canadian players retaliated by going after Mancinelli, causing the Italian players to become involved as well.  Both benches cleared and some shots and words were exchanged.

Andrea Bargnani and Marco Belinelli, members of the Italian team as well as the NBA's Toronto Raptors, were both seen attempting to break up the fight.  Footage also shows Canadian coach Leo Rautins having a heated conversation with Italian basketball officials once the situation was seemingly under control.  Whether they understood a word that came from each other's mouth remains unknown.

Here is a clip of the incident.

Hat Tip - [TSN.ca]

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