By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
EuroLeague Basketball announced earlier today the decision to sanction Panathinaikos OPAP which aside from a fine, also includes playing without fans in their next home game. The game in question would be against Fenerbahce BEKO which is scheduled for tomorrow (16/12).
PAO coach Rick Pitino agreed that EuroLeague is right in acting upon unruly behavior at the games, however, he doesn’t approve of the timing as there are almost 24 hours between the decision and the game.
“So they’re right. But you can’t 24 hours before a game, penalize the players, penalize fans that are coming from Germany. they’re coming from five different countries to see you play. Now, if you want to fine the team a lot of money if you want to say ‘no fans against Real Madrid‘ because people have time. Do you know how many people have made plane flights, hotel reservations, scouts coming in from other areas…”, he said.
“This is a very poor executive decision by the EuroLeague. Forgetting the fact that we have to suffer because our fans don’t behave the correct way. We have to pay as a team the price of a very strong home-court advantage. But the EuroLeague is as equally wrong with their administrative decision to, 24 hours before a game, doing this.”
The coach also noted that he would understand penalizing PAO for another home game but also that there’s nothing that can be done about vulgar chants from the stands: “Now, if they wanna do it for Real Madrid, I can understand, something has to be done for unruly behavior. But as far as vulgarity from stands, you can’t do anything about that. I wish it would never exist but you can’t do anything about that.”
Pitino also added the importance of the upcoming clash vs. Fenerbahce to the fans as Zeljko Obradovic has a long history with Panathinaikos: “A legendary coach who won multiple championships for our team is coming in with his team, and nobody is gonna be able to see it. This is a travesty beyond my 42 years in the business. I have never seen an executive decision like this in my lifetime, 24 hours before a game. Without question, the EuroLeague is right in making sure these things go on in a game but not 24 hours. You can’t act like the fans act so, you’ve got to make proper decisions and this is not a proper one.”
The coach later also shared a statement on his Twitter account: “Although I wish we had a home-court against a rival like Fenerbache, I totally understand now why this decision had to be made. Fans have got to follow the guidelines for the control and safety of our players and fans.”
Although I wish we had a home court against a rival like Fenerbache, I totally understand now why this decision had to be made. Fans have got to follow the guidelines for control and safety of our players and fans.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) December 16, 2019
Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos also issued a press release, calling out the ultras of the club for their behavior.