Ergin Ataman's statement on Panathinaikos: 'The management is very angry'
Ergin Ataman announced that the Panathinaikos management called him to convey their sadness and anger regarding the banner. Ataman stated that it was understood the banner had nothing to do with Panathinaikos fans.
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During the match played between Maccabi and Panathinaikos, an anti-Turkish banner was unfurled. Coach Ergin Ataman reacted to the banner and left the court. Speaking to the Turkish press today (September 17), the experienced coach stated that the Panathinaikos management had contacted him to express their support.
Ergin Ataman noted the following regarding the events and his conversation with the management:
'The management is very angry about this, as Panathinaikos is one of Europe's biggest basketball clubs and has always been against any kind of political banner or mixing politics with sports. Panathinaikos is a club that entrusted its coaching position to the coach of the Turkish National Team, added two of our national players to its roster this season, and has very good relations with the Turkish people. Gate-13, the largest fan group of Panathinaikos in Athens, also called personally to convey their apologies and stated that this banner was unfurled without their knowledge by only a group of Greek Cypriots.'