By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Following yesterday’s 76-74 defeat against Olympiacos in the EuroLeague version of the Greek derby, Panathinaikos officially sent a protest including video footage to the competition, complaining about the referees’ decisions throughout the encounter.
As Ergin Ataman pointed out in the post-game declarations, the Greek powerhouse and reigning EuroLeague champions released a statement about the matter.
“At Panathinaikos AKTOR, we have not learned to embellish situations, we will not (be forced to) learn to tolerate injustice and the leveling of common sense,” the statement opened.
“Anyone who watched yesterday’s game witnessed a series of provocative refereeing decisions, culminating of course in the last ten minutes, during which the difference was decisively reduced, especially at the most critical moment of the game, when the Olympiacos center, who was visible enough to be seen from space, was not given steps under the basket.
How coincidental is it that every opposing coach of this team comments on the refereeing parameter? How long will we turn a blind eye to extremely revealing statistical data? How long will we consider such a repetition a coincidence?
After such a significant page change in the EuroLeague – in which Panathinaikos was the first and only one to claim for years until our partners once again realized our right and joined forces – we expected that the issue of refereeing would be one of the first to be resolved. With the proper presence of referees, the quality of the spectacle is ensured, and our product is protected. With their uncontrolled action and their failure to punish them, an image of uncertainty and chaos is created. We are certain that the very experienced head of refereeing issues, Mr. Ierethouelo, is well aware of this and will do everything legally possible to prevent images of result distortion due to blatant errors that can and must be avoided from recurring.
We are here, we watch everything, and we always act legally to defend our sacred things, which are none other than our team and our fans. Our symbols have earned respect. Our history has been measured against eternity. Their protection is our non-negotiable duty, and we know it well. We do not play with them, we play for them.”
Panathinaikos also issued a press release against TV commentators who were on broadcast covering live the Greek derby between the Greens and Olympiacos.
Following such a result, Olympiacos positively extended their record to 22-7, keeping the first place in the EuroLeague standings and already securing a spot in the Playoffs. Panathinaikos stays 3rd with an 18-11 record, trailing Fenerbahce at 20-9.
PHOTO CREDIT: Eurokinissi