By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Ergin Ataman was ejected last night during the Panathinaikos vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv prep game in Cyprus. However, the focus shifted to a banner related to the Cyprus problem.
Coach Ataman issued the following statement on the matter:
“I am Ergin Ataman, and as the head coach of Panathinaikos during the club’s ‘legendary’ season last year, I strongly supported this tournament, believing it would contribute to ‘friendship and peace.’ I came here with very positive feelings.
On the first day, we were warmly welcomed at the airport. The love in people’s eyes made me very happy. During the autograph session, I met hundreds of basketball fans. This atmosphere of friendship and peace was very promising for all of us.
However, yesterday in the arena, where sports and friendship should prevail, a political banner was displayed by a small group that I did not find fitting for the hospitality we have experienced here. I expressed my reaction to this situation as strongly as possible to draw attention to it.
Sports arenas are places for friendship and peace, not politics. I know that the people who displayed that banner do not represent the emotions of the thousands of people who have shown me and my team love since day one here. There will always be a very special bond of affection between us.
Likewise, no matter what happens, my love for the true basketball fans here will always remain the same. The strongest thing that brings us together is our shared love for basketball.
I believe that sports and friendship will always win,” Ergin Ataman wrote.