An explosive statement by the basketball players of Panathinaikos Athens has caused a stir. Now the Euroleague is taking a stand
The Euroleague has reacted with disappointment to a politically explosive statement by Panathinaikos Athens and announced further steps. Such actions and statements are “in complete contradiction” to a joint statement issued on April 15 by the league, coaches and referees, among others. This creates “an unnecessary and unjustified conflict”, which the agreement was actually trying to prevent.
The Greek top club had hinted after Tuesday night’s 87-91 play-off quarter-final defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv that their Israeli rivals might have been favored for political reasons.
“We don’t want to believe that the tragic things that are happening around the world and make us all sad (in Russia, Ukraine, Palestine and Israel) can have an impact on professional basketball. Unfortunately, however, yesterday’s blatant mistakes do not make us think of any other reason,” Panathinaikos had written. The club was concerned with the referee’s performance
Euroleague criticizes Ataman’s statements: “Deliberately misleading and false “
Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman explicitly pointed out the referees’ alleged mistakes in a video lasting over seven minutes. “Coach Ataman’s statements are deliberately misleading and false – they provide an inaccurate analysis of the game,” the Euroleague said. Such behavior will not be tolerated. “Disciplinary proceedings have already been initiated,” the Euroleague announced.
