By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The attack by unidentified persons on a taxi that carried the referees of the EuroLeague game between Panathinaikos and Barcelona that took place in Athens caused many reactions by players and the ELPA (EuroLeague Players Association).
During the attack, Italian veteran referee Luigi Lamonica got injured on his chin and hand and had to be taken to hospital.
“We condemn all form of violence against anyone. There is no place for this in sport. We wish to Luigi Lamonica a quick recovery and send him our support,” the ELPA tweeted.
“Violence is never the answer. I wish Luigi Lamonica a speedy recovery. There is no place for these actions in our game,” CSKA Moscow center and ELPA first Vice President Kyle Hines tweeted.
Barcelona guard Malcolm Delaney wrote, “This is crazy.”
CSKA Moscow forward Will Clyburn wrote: “Wow!!! That’s crazy!!!! What’s wrong with people?!?!” as a comment on Eurohoop’s Instagram post about the news. Besiktas guard Jordan Theodore mentioned: “Smh!! That’s Terrible”
“Praying for a speedy recovery. There is no place in our sport or league for these acts of violence. Whoever is out there that chose to physically harm someone I consider to be a friend should be ashamed of themselves. As fans it’s your job to create a nice atmosphere at arenas, Be upset when things are going wrong and cheer when things are going right but never should it turn into a physical confrontation. Terrible just terrible,” wrote CSKA Moscow guard Mike James.