Akari captain Michelle Cobb called on fans to stop sending ill-wishes to players and coaches, after their controversial PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals.
Akari Chargers team captain Michelle Cobb on Thursday decried ill-wishes made against the players, calling on fans to stop with the "hatred and hostility" after their controversial PVL Reinforced Conference semifinal results.
The Chargers, who had an undefeated Cinderella run heading to the finals, became the subject of criticism and jeers after their semifinal win over the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Cobb then posted on her Instagram Story after the finals, showing how some fans made comments wishing players would get injured.
"Bakit po kailangan umabot sa punto na gusto niyo pong ma-injure ang mga players? Sumosobra na po kayo. Tama na po. Hindi po kami gumagawa ng rules ng volleyball. Manlalaro lang po kaming lahat," Cobb wrote.
"Bilang ‘sports fans’ at hilig po nating lahat ang volleyball, sana po 'wag po natin pairalin ang pambabastos at pamemersonal sa mga players at coaches," she added.
The semifinals between Akari and PLDT came to a head with a controversial call, in which a net touch challenge on the Chargers was denied at a crucial part of the game.
That eventually led to an Akari win, sealing the Chargers' place in the finals.
The PVL cited an FIVB rule to support the referees' stance. Some fans were not convinced.
[ALSO READ: PVL explains controversial unsuccessful challenge by PLDT against Akari in Reinforced Conference semis]
Supporters of the High Speed Hitters expressed their discontent, with many voicing their frustrations on social media.
It got to the point that the Chargers had to issue a statement to protect their players and coaches, saying there was "absolutely no place for threats or intimidation in our spirits and in society."
"We are coordinating with the proper authorities and taking immediate action to ensure their protection," the statement further read.
That didn't stop fans from booing Akari during the finals introductions, especially Ezra Madrigal--who was at the center of the controversial semifinals call.
After just missing out on the bronze, PLDT team captain Kath Arado spoke in defense of the Chargers and urged fans to cease the negativity directed towards Akari.
"Hindi madali 'yung ginagawa namin na sacrifice everyday na mag-training, na malayo sa pamilya. So sana tumigil na din 'yung sa Akari dahil hindi din naman nila deserve ‘yung ganoong treatment sa kanila.” she said in a One Sports video.
[ALSO READ: PVL: PLDT High Speed Hitters' Kath Arado makes appeal to fans regarding attitude towards Akari Chargers]
This was echoed by Cobb at the end of her statement.
"We do not want to foster a sports community that is filled with hatred and hostility. Nakakalungkot po," she wrote.