Disciplinary investigation against Ergin Ataman from EuroLeague!

EuroLeague play-off quarter-final first game, in which Panathinaikos lost to Maccabi Tel Aviv at home, saw head coach Ergin Ataman criticize the officiating after the match. EuroLeague has announced that a disciplinary investigation has been launched against head coach Ergin Ataman.

The EuroLeague management announced that disciplinary investigations have been launched against Panathinaikos Head Coach Ergin Ataman, who made harsh statements regarding the referees after the loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The statement from EuroLeague is as follows;

"EuroLeague Basketball has followed with disappointment the statements made by Panathinaikos Head Coach Mr. Ergin Ataman and the club.

Such incidents and statements are in complete contradiction to the statement made on April 15, 2024, by EuroLeague Basketball, the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, the EuroLeague Players Association, and the Union of EuroLeague Basketball Officials, and they create unnecessary and unfounded conflicts that the four aforementioned organizations, representing member clubs, coaches, players, and referees, are trying to prevent.

The statements made by Coach Ataman are deliberately misleading and baseless. These statements present an analysis that does not align with the reality of the match by selecting a few moments; they attempt to question the work and integrity of the referees and create pressure on both the referees and the league organization. None of these efforts will achieve their goals.

Unfortunately, these statements were not conveyed through the existing official channels that are always open to EuroLeague Basketball referees, Coach Ataman, his club, and every club and coach in the league.

This type of behavior will not be tolerated by EuroLeague Basketball. A disciplinary investigation has been launched both for these statements and for Mr. Ataman's obstruction of media members from performing their duties during the mandatory open practice session on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

EuroLeague Basketball's respect for the Panathinaikos organization, its community, and its legacy is beyond question, and all other clubs in the league are approached with equal respect. The events following the first game of the EuroLeague Playoffs are in contradiction with the values that the clubs, which manage the organization together, wish to highlight in the league.

EuroLeague Basketball invites Coach Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR, and all other clubs and individuals to refrain from such statements and behaviors in future matches; and to highlight the values that the EuroLeague represents by creating a positive atmosphere in the matches and celebrating the incredible effort and struggle on the court."

WHAT DID ERGIN ATAMAN SAY?

Reacting to the referee decisions in the Maccabi Tel Aviv match, Ergin Ataman had stated, "In my opinion, this match was not clean."

News Source: 12punto