Fine for abusive chants directed at Ergin Ataman

In a statement released by the EuroLeague organization, it was stated that "Maccabi Rapyd has been fined 12,000 euros in accordance with the EuroLeague Basketball Disciplinary Code due to insulting chants made by its fans during the match played against Panathinaikos."

Maccabi Rapyd fans had directed abusive chants at head coach Ergin Ataman before and during the match played against Panathinaikos.

Nearly 300 Israeli fans, who gathered at the entrance of the arena before the EuroLeague match held at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, used insulting language regarding Ergin Ataman, who also serves as the head coach of the Turkish Men's National Basketball Team, and the Greek team.

The Israeli fans continued their abusive chants during the match and as Ergin Ataman was heading to the locker room after the game ended. Maccabi Rapyd won the match, played in the 24th week of the EuroLeague, 75-71.

Ergin Ataman had reacted to the abusive chants he was subjected to in a statement he made after the match.

Stating that he was proud of his team for their efforts, Ataman said, "We fought tremendously. We had many chances to win the game. But this is the basketball side of things. As for the other side, we may be competing with the NBA as the EuroLeague, but this is not basketball. We come here to do our job. If 10,000 people wait in front of the locker room here and curse at me for 40 minutes, this is not basketball. I have never seen such a thing in the NBA. This is not sports. I am doing my job, but while 10-15 thousand people are insulting me here, the referees and officials are not doing their jobs at all. Keep going like this."

News Source: 12punto