Fatih Altaylı weighs in on Ergin Ataman controversy
Journalist Fatih Altaylı commented on Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman's gesture toward the Galatasaray stands after a friendly match, where he made a '3-1' sign as a reference to the recent derby against Fenerbahçe, stating, 'There is nothing more natural than someone who does not hide that they are a Galatasaray fan making a 3-1 sign to the Galatasaray stands.'
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Following the Panathinaikos vs. Galatasaray basketball friendly match, the Greek team's coach, Ergin Ataman, made a 3-1 sign to the stands with his hand, referencing the score of the Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray derby played in the Süper Lig last week.
Following this gesture by Ataman, the Fenerbahçe Sports Club decided not to send any players to the Turkish National Basketball Team.
It was learned that the Yellow-Navies, who deemed this action by National Team Head Coach Ergin Ataman disrespectful, will maintain this decision as long as he remains the head coach.
Journalist Fatih Altaylı made evaluations regarding the controversy in the sports community.
In his statement, Altaylı said, "It is no secret that Ergin Ataman is a Galatasaray fan! He even says that his biggest goal in life is to become the president of Galatasaray. If he runs for office and I am still a general assembly member, I would gladly vote for him. There is nothing more natural than someone who does not hide that they are a Galatasaray fan making a '3-1' sign to the Galatasaray stands during a match played against Galatasaray."
Continuing his remarks, Altaylı commented, "If Ergin Ataman had done this in front of the Fenerbahçe stands, we could call it rude. Moreover, he apologized afterward. I think it is an unnecessary reaction."