By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The best-of-three series between AEK and Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem has already produced sanctions for the Greek side but must go the other way as well, AEK explained on Friday.
The Queen lost deciding Game 3 by a margin of 40 points Wednesday. After the conclusion of the best-of-three Quarterfinals series and being eliminated from the Basketball Champions League, the former BCL champions asked for sanctions on Jerusalem by accusing two team officials of hooliganism.
“We congratulate Hapoel Jerusalem for advancing to the Final Four of the 2022-23 BCL season, but we expect FIBA to act on what we experienced in Israel,” notes the team’s official reaction released on Friday.
“We ask for Hapoel and two hooligan high-ranking officials to be punished for their actions after Game 2, before and during Game 3,” added AEK, “The lack of sanctions or a minor penalty would be a scandal!”
More accusations stretched to Jerusalem pushing for FIBA to act on AEK regarding the incidents of Game 2 by threatening a potential move to from FIBA’s European club continental competition to Euroleague Basketball’s 7DAYS EuroCup.
Similar to the Jerusalem outfit after the second game of the series, the Athens outfit mentioned terrorism and violent acts intended to frighten and disrupt team members heading to the winner-take-all Game 3. Events noted include Hapoel fans at the team hotel to keep players and coaches from sleeping, items thrown to the team bench during the game, the lack of protection in the gym, and a high-ranking official attacking a member of the team late in Game 3.
Additionally confirming death threats toward Akil Mitchell, the press release ironically wondered if a further investigation is warranted.
Addressing the Hellenic Basketball Federation, the storied Greek club additionally expects a reaction echoing the aftermath of Game 2 and the joint announcement with the Israeli Basketball Association.
AEK also confirmed intentions to appeal the sanction on playing all home games of the 2023-24 BCL season behind closed doors through the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League