NBL ramps up investigation into ugly United-Phoenix melee in Melbourne derby

A melee erupts between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United.

The fallout from Sunday's melee between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix has continued, with five players and a coach facing the scrutiny of the NBL's game review panel.

The NBL is also investigating a melee that occurred in Saturday night's game between Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks, with four players — Angus Glover (Kings), Xavier Cooks (Kings), Sam Froling (Hawks) and Justinian Jessup (Hawks) — cited for their involvement in the scuffle.

Sunday's incident broke out late in the third quarter of the Phoenix's 94-86 Throwdown XIII victory, after United's Mason Peatling bumped Mitch Creek to the ground.

Peatling had taken exception to Creek's celebration after he dunked over his United teammate Matthew Dellavedova.

The melee was sparked when Mitch Creek, left, was bumped to the ground by Mason Peatling. (Getty: Kelly Defina)

A scuffle involving several players followed, with Peatling ejected from the game for his role in the incident.

The United forward has been asked to explain himself to the game review panel after being cited for unduly rough play and engaging in the melee.

Creek has also been cited for engaging in the melee, as have Phoenix teammates Izayah Le'afa and Kyle Adnam.

Game and team officials had attempted to break up the scuffle. (AAP: Joel Carrett)

United's David Barlow (bench clearing during fight) and assistant coach Justin Schueller (unsportsmanlike behaviour) are also being investigated. 

Meanwhile, United's courtside announcer Wayne Peterson has been stood down for two home games after making an "inappropriate" comment during Sunday's fixture.

During the game, Peterson said the Phoenix's Chinese star Zhou Qi "probably doesn't understand" why the crowd cheered when he missed two free-throw attempts.

United issued a statement on Monday night, saying the comment referred to "the prize of a free cheeseburger for consecutive missed free throws".

The NBL is investigating the incident.

United said Peterson's comments "didn't live up to the club's values and standards".

"Peterson acknowledges that the statement was inappropriate," the club statement read.

"The club has full confidence that Peterson had no intention of insulting Zhou.

"Peterson has reached out to offer his unreserved apology to Zhou Qi directly. He would also like to apologise to any other party who took offence.

"Peterson will use this time for reflection and further education, and will be more considered with his comments in the future."