Giannakopoulos demands respect from Panathinaikos fans as Valencia security measures increase

06/05/202611:39

Jerian Grant, Dimitris Giannakopoulos EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano -Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens Turkish Airlines Euroleague 2023-24 Milano, 22/12/2023 Foto ClaudioDegaspari // Ciamillo-Castoria

The Panathinaikos owner, currently serving a three-game ban, urged OAKA fans to show restraint ahead of Game 3 against Valencia

Dimitris Giannakopoulos sent a strong message to Panathinaikos AKTOR fans ahead of EuroLeague Playoffs Game 3 against Valencia at Telekom Center Athens.

The Greek club’s owner, banned for three games by Euroleague Basketball after Game 2 incidents, demanded exemplary behavior from the crowd: “To be the biggest club in Europe is not only to win cups, but it is also to respect the opponent, whatever they come to do.”

Tension remains high after what happened at Roig Arena: according to À Punt Esports, Panathinaikos installed protective barriers behind the OAKA benches for the game against Valencia. The club also urged fans to support the team “only with their voice,” avoiding provocations and any behavior that could lead to sanctions.

🏀 El @Paobcgr instal·la tanques protectores darrere de les banquetes de l’OAKA per al duel 🆚 @valenciabasket

El tercer partit de quarts de final de l’@EuroLeague arriba marcat per la tensió viscuda dijous passat al @RoigArena. pic.twitter.com/KbGcBCwvl2

— À Punt Esports (@apuntesports) May 5, 2026