By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
Getting the 79-77 win over Olympiacos in the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 6, Fenerbahce found itself trapped in a controversy related to Nigel Williams-Goss not being awarded a foul on the last shot of the game, leading to the Greek club issuing an official press release on the matter.
Talking to Ajansspor, the Turkish team’s General Manager Derya Yannier largely talked about the situation. “First of all, I don’t think that it is right to focus on off-field factors. I think there is a good rivalry between Olympiacos and us. Both last season’s Playoff series and regular season matches witnessed good stories. I think there was an example of this competition in yesterday’s game. At the end of the match, Fenerbahce was the winning side, they had also won matches before”, he first said.
He then commented more specifically on the episode. “I think it would be beneficial to stay in basketball. Our opponent criticized some of the decisions at the end of the match. However, just before the position they criticized, there were decisions that could be evaluated and criticized differently by both parties. Also if you remember, there were decisions that could be discussed at the end of the matches in last year’s Playoff series”, Derya Yannier added.
“As I said, I don’t find it right to read these whole games through a position or a referee call. Of course, referees are part of basketball, everyone can seek their rights when they get hurt. Authorities will make the necessary evaluations on this matter. Apart from that, I congratulate our team and Olympiacos in terms of the game, they showed a good fight. I think we will watch good matches in this Fenerbahce – Olympiacos rivalry from now on, where new stories will emerge”, he finally touched on.
Fenerbahce’s General Manager also talked about Dyshawn Pierre’s return after suffering a calf injury. “He started the match very well, but he unluckily stepped on the ground upside down in a fast-break position and had a problem with his calf. We did not want to risk the player during the rest of the match. He has a secondary calf strain. As you know, calf injuries can cause problems, and if they recur, the recovery process can take longer. Our medical team started monitoring the process for his return. He will not be able to be with us for approximately 3-4 weeks”, he commented.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague