By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 7 matchup of Joventut Badalona and Paris has been connected to an official protest of the French club. Allegations about multiple fans in attendance making racist insults to several players of the visitors in Palau Olimpic have been rejected by Badalona.
Reacting to the press release, Badalona denied any illicit behavior on Wednesday. “We will not allow an unfounded accusation of racism to devalue the image of a historic club such as ours, nor allow suspect on the integrity of our members and fans,” as noted.
The team based in Catalonia initially ‘strongly’ condemned racist or other similar behavior against visiting teams, before moving on to the allegations.
Paris accusing Spanish fans of racist insults directed to players included a statement by team president David Kahn. “On behalf of Paris Basketball, we are all saddened and shocked to have heard these comments which directly affected our players. We support our players and their efforts to bring this matter to the attention of the basketball world. These types of hateful comments must stop,” mentioned the former president of basketball operations of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Euroleague Basketball is monitoring the situation, as announced on Tuesday. “Zero-tolerance policy against any acts of racism or discrimination,” was stressed in the press release.
Adding to the separation from the remaining teams in Group A of the EuroCup Regular Season, Paris earning the road win shaped a 7-0 record on Tuesday. The hosts were instead forced down to 3-4.