“It is very strange to me that a great organization like the Euroleague, which I always protect, makes a statement about me saying that I damage its reputation. If I do something wrong, if I talk about referees, there is a rule book – punish me! Why are you inciting certain people on me”Ataman said somewhat angrily.
“Here’s what just happened… As I was walking to the locker room, someone from the Maccabi staff, I don’t know who, because he wasn’t accredited, said to me: ‘You’ll see in Israel! You’ll see what happens to you’. Hey, I’m Ergin Ataman! I am the coach of Panathinaikos and the Turkish national team! You can’t do anything to me!“
“Please? Euroleague? If they punish me – fine. But why issue a statement against me? I’m not just anyone! I won two Euroleagues. I’m a two-time champion! I’ve managed more than 300 games in this competition. And I’m not stupid”.
There were also verbal abuses during the match itself. Thus the first man of Panathinaikos Dimitris Yanakopoulos stood up from his seat and threw something towards the Maccabi bench…
Let’s remind you, a few hours before the second match between Panathinaikos and Maccabi, the Euroleague initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ergin Ataman and the Greek club since they made statements in which they imply that there are political reasons behind certain referee decisions in the first game?! The Greens stated that various sad, war-like events in the council should not affect basketball, while Ataman thundered at the referees.
However, he said in conclusion after that first meeting:
“I want to promise these people here that we will go to the Final Four. Losing 1:0 is nothing. We will go to the Final Four. If we do not go to the Final Four, I will not be the coach of Panathinaikos next season.”.
The third match between these two teams is scheduled for May 2 in Belgrade’s Pionir.
One thing is certain – it will be hot and without an audience.
