On Tuesday, Panathinaikos lost the first game of the quarter-finals of the Euroleague playoffs, in Athens they celebrated Maccabi 91:87 and right after that game, the coach of the Greek team, Ergin Ataman, had a recognizable show.
He complained about the referees and the organization, and later the club was harsh in a statement that also mentioned the war in which Israel is participating, so the Euroleague had to react as well.
“The EuroLeague expresses its disappointment over the statements made by the Panathinaikos coach and the club, as well as some other events during the first leg of the first round of the playoffs played in Athens.” Such behavior is completely contrary to the joint statement signed on April 15 by the Euroleague, the Association of Coaches, the Association of Euroleague Players and the Association of Referees, because they create an unnecessary and unjustified conflict that its signatories, coaches, players and officials have committed to prevent,” she stated. Euroleague.
Ataman is also accused of dealing with manipulations:
“Such statements give an inaccurate analysis of the game and a carefully selected number of phases of the game, with the aim of questioning the work and integrity of the referees and putting additional pressure on them and the organization.” Disciplinary proceedings have already been initiated, as well as for the events that occurred at the mandatory open training for the media on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, when Mr. Ataman prevented journalists from performing their duties,” Euroleague announced.
The second match of the quarter-final series is tonight from 20:15, again in Athens.
( AH )
