Image of Nathan Sobey being punched has shocked Australia

ONE photo from the carnage of the Boomers brawl has been labelled “cowardly”, with calls for the culprit to be thrown in jail.

AUSTRALIAN Basketball was at its pinnacle thanks to the international success of young superstar Ben Simmons.

But it’s been left with a black eye following a sickening brawl that took place in a World Cup qualifier against the Philippines.

The incident made international news and left Australian fans across the nation in disbelief as to what had unfolded.

In all of the carnage, one image has stuck out above all others and has led to calls of jail time for the disgusting act.

Nathan Sobey became entangled in the mayhem and was cleaned up by a horrific cheap shot delivered by former NBA player Andray Blatche.

But it was the second hit he received after all of the brawling had begun to settle down.

After having a chair thrown at the back of his head, Sobey turned to face the perpetrator when a security guard grabbed him to hold him back.

With his arms pinned by the guard a hard shot was delivered to the face of Sobey by a Philippines team official. The same official was then seen joining in with the team for the tasteless selfie.

No athlete deserves this - hope @sobes2zero is OK #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/VHejOHdUzP

— John Casey (@JohnCasey2880) July 2, 2018

Former Boomer and Australian basketball legend Chris Anstey called for the unnamed individual “to be arrested”.

“Coward puncher surely faces assault charges & life ban. Could have been so much worse,” TV presenter Jason Bennett tweeted.

Sobey was helped back to the bench by teammates as he appeared dazed following on from the inexcusable cheap shot.

Miraculously no Boomer was seriously injured from the attacks, but have been left bruised and shaken from the incident.

Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore slammed the actions of fans and team officials who became embroiled in the brawl.

“Whilst we accept our responsibility for our role in last night’s incident, what we don’t accept is the action whereby fans and officials actually get involved in the fray,” Moore told reporters in Brisbane on Tuesday.

“We find that absolutely unacceptable.”

Nathan Sobey was punched in the face by a cameraman and Chris Goulding would definitely have a sore head after being piled on by four or five guys.

— Michael Randall (@MickRandallHS) July 2, 2018

This photo is everything.
During all the wild brawling, a Philippines team official runs onto the court and throws a punch at Nathan Sobey.
Cowardy and absolutely unacceptable.#Boomers pic.twitter.com/MtrrRnTJZN

— BRENDAN ©ASEY (@BrendoCasey) July 2, 2018

Still can't get over that brawl in last night's Australia v Philippines FIBA world basketball qualifier.

Absolute disgrace.

And then for the 'security guard' to sucker punch Sobey as he's being led away?!

Dude needs to be in jail. pic.twitter.com/1KMfbgXj9y

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoRCC) July 3, 2018

The assault on Nathan Sobey pictured here and under the basket is vile & shameful.
We should be relieved that he was able to limp away afterwards. I hope @ShaneHeal is right and they get "serious penalties" but @BasketballAus should also encourage local police to investigate. https://t.co/8P7qXTrMG0

— Seb Costello (@SebCostello9) July 3, 2018

The horrific footage has quickly circuited around the globe and lead to the governing body FIBA announcing an investigation into the matter would be set up.