Panathinaikos blames defeat on political decisions by referees

Following their home loss to Maccabi in the first game of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague play-off series, Panathinaikos has issued a statement regarding the match officials. 

In a statement released on the social media platform X after the match, Panathinaikos argued that they were treated unfairly during yesterday's contest.

The statement included the following: "We do not want to believe that the tragic events that sadden us in our world, such as those in Russia, Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, would affect professional basketball, but unfortunately, yesterday's striking refereeing errors do not allow us to think otherwise."

The statement emphasized that sports should never be used for political purposes and that basketball should always remain free from such situations.

Pointing out that Panathinaikos has a 116-year history, longer than many states, the statement added, "Show the necessary respect for this."

The Greek press commented that Panathinaikos believes there were political motives behind the match and that the referees made erroneous decisions.

The Greek team Panathinaikos AKTOR, coached by Turkish head coach Ergin Ataman, was defeated 91-87 at home by the Israeli representative Maccabi Playtika in the first game of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague play-off series. With this result, Maccabi Playtika took a 1-0 lead in the series.

News Source: 12punto