Heated verbal altercation between Ergin Ataman and Fenerbahçe fans

A verbal altercation involving insults took place between Fenerbahçe Beko fans and Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman ahead of the EuroLeague Final Four.

INSULTING CHANTS

Fenerbahçe fans, who were at the airport to welcome their team, began chanting 'Do some doping' and subsequently directed insults at Ergin Ataman upon seeing the Panathinaikos delegation arrive in Berlin.

"WHERE IS THE SECURITY?"

Angered by the incident, Ergin Ataman began shouting at the police and the hotel security. Footage of Ataman stating that the fans were harassing him became a trending topic on social media.

ATAMAN'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE VERBAL ALTERCATION

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman, who arrived in the city for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four to be held in Germany, stated that the events at the hotel entrance should not be blown out of proportion.

Following the argument with some Fenerbahçe fans at the entrance of the hotel where the team is staying in the capital Berlin, Ataman met with Turkey's Ambassador to Berlin Ahmet Başarşen, Consul General in Berlin İlker Okan Şanlı, and Berlin Fenerbahçeliler Association Board Member Yalçın Işık, emphasizing that there was a security lapse during the team's arrival at the hotel.

While the police teams that arrived at the hotel expressed their regret over the incident, Ergin Ataman stated that the police should have been more careful in protecting the team during the tension with the fans who came to the hotel to support Fenerbahçe.

Underlining that there was negligence at the hotel entrance, Ataman said:

"Of course, I don't think what happened will cause a major problem. I have no issues with the Fenerbahçe Club or the sensible Fenerbahçe fans. But unfortunately, there are hooligans in every club who constantly engage in this type of provocation. I hope the German police will also learn the necessary lesson and provide the required protection for all teams.

Our own hooligans will be coming too. A serious lack of security was observed here. I hope this incident serves as an example. Unfortunately, we experienced an unpleasant situation. It will ensure that the German police attach importance to the tournament in terms of security. Our Ambassador and Consul General also came here and showed their support. I thank them as well. Ultimately, a match will be played. The teams have come here with great success after a long marathon. One team will win, one team will lose. We must be aware of this. But unfortunately, some hooligans are only interested in causing trouble. We will go out on the court and fight our battle."

Berlin Fenerbahçeliler Association Board Member Yalçın Işık also stated that they do not approve of what happened, saying, "We do not approve of such a thing. We are sorry that it happened. It should have taken place within the spirit of sports."

News Source: 12punto