By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
This Saturday following the Greek derby victory by Olympiacos over Panathinaikos has been featured by several press releases issued by both parties regarding protests over referees’ decisions and Kendrick Nunn’s gestures at the end of the game.
Now, Ergin Ataman followed with a statement published on his personal Instagram profile, directly sending a message to his opponent and Olympiacos‘ head coach Georgios Bartzokas.
“My dear friend Bartzokas, I congratulate you on yesterday’s win. But for the remainder of the season, during the press conferences, please refrain from making assessments based on my comments. If you want to make an evaluation, you can make one about your team,” Ataman’s message opened.
“Just a month ago after the Cup final, nobody forgot that instead of shaking my hand you went after the referees in anger. Now let’s talk about real things. Was Fall’s basket at the end of the game a travel or not? Be honest,” he rhetorically asked his opponent.
“Don’t worry about the possibility of the EuroLeague imposing a penalty. I’m used to it. This time, let it be on me. I can understand your stress. But it will not help; we all know how the season will end and who will be the champion. And you know it too,” Panathinaikos‘ head coach eyed the end of the campaign.
In the post-game press conference, Georgios Bartzokas criticized Panathinaikos’ head coach’s quotes following the game. “He [Ataman] does that every time he loses. I can’t remember a game where we beat Panathinaikos and he didn’t complain,” Olympiacos‘ coach commented.
PHOTO CREDIT: Eurokinissi