After the victory, E. Atamans spoke about the threats and the return of the Russians to the Euroleague

PAO defeated Tel Aviv “Maccabi” 95:79 in front of their fans and leveled the result of the series with three wins at 1-1.

After the match, E. Atamans spoke about the report issued by the Euroleague, condemning his statements after the first match of the series, and the threats he received.

“It is very strange that such a great organization, which I always defend, has spread the message that I am damaging the image of the EuroLeague. Very strange, said E. Ataman. – If I do something illegal, for example, I talk about the work of judges, there is a penalty for that in the rulebook. But why provoke people against me? After that announcement, as I was going to the dressing room, someone from the Maccabi staff, who did not have his accreditation with him, told me: “you will see in Israel what the Zionists will do to you.”

He testified that he replied to the person threatening him: “Come on, I’m Ergin Ataman, I’m the coach of Panathinaikos and the Turkish national team, a Turkish citizen.” You can’t do anything to me.”

E. Ataman spoke further and included the example of the suspended Russian teams.

“People who provoke me, Israel, Zionists – I am not a political person. I respect Maccabi, Mr. Mizrahi (Maccabi President Shimon Mizrahi – Ed. Post). I am a sports person who came from Turkey and as Atatürk said, I want peace for my country and the world. I believe Maccabi don’t care about these things. If you are making comments about me, then I am also waiting for Russian teams in the Euroleague, because Russian sports have nothing to do with war, just like Maccabi has nothing to do with it. I am neither against any country nor against Maccabi.

– I did not criticize the Euroleague, I criticized the judges’ decisions. I am not an ordinary person, I won the EuroLeague twice in a row, I coached more than 300 matches. I’m not stupid. I just shared my opinion with Greek journalists because people want to know why I don’t like some whistles,” said the Turk.

Panathinaikos coach criticized the referees after the first match and explained that they could have been influenced by political decisions and pressure from Israel participating in the war with Hamas. The Euroleague reacted to this by distributing a message and condemning E. Ataman’s words.