Crisis grows in Greek derby: They demanded Ergin Ataman’s arrest

The second match played between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos in the Greek Basketball League play-off final series made headlines not only for the score but also for the tensions that occurred. The red-and-whites, who won the match played at Olympiakos' home court 91-83, brought the series to 1-1, while the incidents and mutual statements during the match raised the tension.

ATAMAN EJECTED AT THE END OF THE MATCH

Panathinaikos Head Coach Ergin Ataman was ejected from the game after receiving his second technical foul following a dispute with the referee in the final moments of the match. However, the real controversy began after abusive chants rose from the stands.

“NO ONE CAN INSULT TURKEY”

Speaking at the press conference after the match, Ataman reacted harshly to the insults directed at Turkey by Olympiakos fans. Ataman expressed his anger by saying, “This is a circus, this is not sports. No one can insult Turkey! They can say things to me or to Panathinaikos, but never to my country! That is why I received the second technical foul.”

SHOCKING OUTBURST FROM OLYMPIAKOS SIDE: “ATAMAN SHOULD BE ARRESTED”

Following the incidents, the owners of the Olympiakos Basketball branch, brothers Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos, made a very harsh statement on live broadcast. Claiming that Ataman turned to the stands and made severe insults, the Angelopoulos brothers argued that Ataman should be arrested.

The statement included the following remarks: “Ergin Ataman called the Olympiakos fans ‘p...’. This is unacceptable. No one can insult Olympiakos fans like this. Ataman is working in a foreign country. They are inciting violence. We don’t know where this final series is heading, but this person should be arrested.”

News Source: 12punto