By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Ahead of the EuroLeague quarterfinals against Real Madrid, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos released a written statement, urging the fans of his team to ignore any “deliberate provocations” even if the referees don’t “live up to the circumstances”.
Giannakopoulos’ statement is as follows:
“I have the utmost respect towards Real Madrid since they are a great club with big history. Regarding the quarterfinal series of the competition, I wish that some pretty games will be played between two European basketball powerhouses. Games that will be enjoyed by the fans, that will be decided on the court and that the best team will ultimately advance to the Final Four.
The fans of Panathinaikos have proven their love for the team as well as their class. In no way, they should answer to deliberate provocations that might happen from the side of other factors. They should not be given any right to impose a new punishment to Panathinaikos even if the (level of the) referees are proven to not live up to the circumstances (quarterfinals).
I want to repeat my wish that the best team will advance to the Final Four and this should be ours!”