Perth Wildcats star Jo Lual-Acuil fined for striking following on court brawl with Cairns Taipans

Perth star import Jo Lual-Acuil will be free to play in the Wildcats clash against the Illawarra Hawks after escaping with a fine from the wild brawl that broke out after their victory over Cairns.

Jo Lual-Acuil was one of three players cited by the NBL’s Game Review Panel after Admiral Schofield confronted former Taipan now Wildcat Lat Mayen in fiery scenes with players having to be separated.

All three escaped with fines, with Lual-Acuil copping the biggest punishment of $1010 after he was charged with striking that was graded intentional, low Impact, body contact.

Despite instigating the contact, Schofield escaped with a charge of unsportsmanlike behaviour, as did Mayen, earning fines of $775, with all three able to reduce the punishments with early guilty pleas.

It is unlikely the trio will appeal the charges.

Cairns coach Adam Forde said he would have preferred to see his team showing fight during the game.

“It’s kind of too little, too late. It’s a funny group, but they care,” Forde said.

“I just want to see it rather than all in one hit, maybe we space out that anger over 40 minutes and it turns into a level of focus to be aggressive and get through screens. It would be worse if they don’t care and quit.”