NBL investigates after Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers melee spills over sidelines and leads to four fan evictions

A courtside incident in which basketball fans "put hands on" Adelaide 36ers personnel is being investigated by the NBL, with Nick Kyrgios among those on social media who have leapt to the defence of the player at the centre of the flare-up.

The scuffle at Melbourne's John Cain Arena occurred during the match between the 36ers and Melbourne United, after Adelaide's American import Montrezl Harrell collided with opponent Robert Loe during an offensive play.

The clash prompted a melee between both teams which was broken up by officials, but tensions flared again minutes later with courtside fans becoming involved in an altercation with 36ers players and staff.

Officials had to separate the parties and four fans were evicted from the stadium, while Harrell and Melbourne's Shea Ili were ejected from the game.

"The NBL is investigating the incident between Adelaide 36ers players and fans," the league said.

During his post-match media conference, 36ers coach Mike Wells told reporters one supporter had made physical contact with the club's general manager Mike Weston.

"I don't really know what happened, but by the time I got there, the fans were screaming at our players, and being really, really aggressive," said Wells, who has extensive experience as an assistant coach in the NBA.

"They can pay their money, they can cheer, they can yell at us but as soon as they start putting hands on people, now it's a different game. And from what I saw, they put hands on our GM.

"I've been in the NBA a long time, I've seen a lot different fights but when people … are right in the front row, they cannot do that."

Harrell, a former NBA player who was subjected to racial slurs earlier this season, has taken the NBL by storm since arriving in Adelaide.

In a post on X, Harrell expressed displeasure at his expulsion from the game, and said he had been portrayed as the "bad guy" after attempting to "calm down" the situation.

"Sorry not sorry," he wrote.

Many on social media expressed support for the 36er, who found an ally in tennis player and avid basketball fan Nick Kyrgios.

Kyrgios, a man who is no stranger to verbally jousting with spectators, responded to Harrell's post, telling the American: "I'm with you".

"Spectators should sit down and shut up and clap that's about it," Kyrgios tweeted.

'Crossed a line in the game'

While Wells — who has a no-nonsense leadership style and earlier this season unleashed a tirade of his own against his players during a training session — said while he was happy to compete in a "hostile environment" Sunday's scenes were not acceptable.

"I never want to have that. We want to come here, we want to compete," he said.

"I saw a lot of guys instigating instead of separating and that's not good. And then I saw fans instigating and that's not good.

"It can't happen with the fans. Pay your money, you do anything you want, you just can't touch people."

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman agreed that a line had been crossed.

"Fans are there to view the game and support the game, and you never want to see a crossover between players and fans," he said.

"Obviously, we've crossed a line in the game there where they've reacted to whatever's been said, and it's something we don't want to see."

The NBL's announcement of an investigation was welcomed by the 36ers.

"The NBL is currently investigating an incident between 36ers players and fans during the fourth quarter, with four fans immediately ejected from the arena," the club said.

"The club fully supports the NBL investigation."

Melbourne United is also supporting the league's response.

"Venue security promptly attended the incident, and four guests were removed from the venue in order to de-escalate the situation," the club said.

Melbourne won the game by 20 points — 113 to 93.

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