The Euroleague’s greek derby between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, won by Olympiacos for 76-74, isn’t really finished. With polemic statements, quite rude answers and Instagram stories Ergin Ataman, greens’ coach, and Georgios Bartzokas, reds’ coach, have been the really protagonist after the game.
First there are Ataman’s statements after the maatch, in which he accused the referees: “Everything happens in a game. I understand this. I understand that referees allow Olympiacos to play hard and aggressive defense against our offensive players. OK, it can happen. This is homecourt advantage. But in a game where we lost with one basket. But when you check an instant reply who touched the ball and you don’t see who has the ball last. Everyone on TV saw that McKissic touched the ball. The EuroLeague TV commentators also said that the ball is out from McKissic and you give the ball to Olympiacos. And then in the next possession, Fall scores with four maybe five steps. You don’t call that. You’re afraid to make that call. This is difficult for me to understand. These are three very good referees, very experienced referees. But we lost the game with one basket and these two possessions are ours. For sure, 100%.”
That’s Bartzokas’ answer to Ataman’s accuses: “He (Ataman) does that every time he loses. I can’t remember a game where we beat Panathinaikos and he didn’t complain. Obviously, we win only thanks to the refereeing.- comments ironically Bartokas -I don’t remember any game that we beat Panathinaikos and he didn’t comment that he lost the game due to the officiating.”
The day after, with an Instagram story, Ergin Ataman send a new message to his collegue: “My dear friend Bartzokas, I congratulate you on yesterday’s win. But for the remainder of the season, during the press conferences, please refrain from making assessments based on my comments. If you want to make an evaluation, you can make one about your team. Just a month ago after the Cup final, nobody forgot that instead of shaking my hand you went after the referees in anger. Now let’s talk about real things. Was Fall’s basket at the end of the game a travel or not? Be honest, don’t worry about the possibility of the EuroLeague imposing a penalty. I’m used to it. This time, let it be on me. I can understand your stress. But it will not help; we all know how the season will end and who will be the champion. And you know it too”. Questo il messaggio del coach turco per il collega greco.
With this message Ataman published another Instagram story, in which he shows the replay of the two incriminated choices took by the referees: the Sloukas-McKissic out of bound and Fall’s travelling.
At the same time Panathinaikos announced that they are going to appeal against yesterday’s refeering, and Olympiacos will make official protest to EuroLeague for Kendrick Nunn’s obscene gesture.
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