Panathinaikos Athens’ Turkish coach Ergin Ataman has accused a member of the Maccabi Tel Aviv employees of issuing threats towards him following Game 2 of the EuroLeague playoffs.
Speaking on the post-game press convention after his staff’s victory, Ataman expressed bewilderment over EuroLeague Basketball’s latest assertion relating to his conduct, based on eurohoops.web.
“It’s very strange for me that a great organization [EuroLeague Basketball] that I always protect made a statement about me that I damage the EuroLeague image. Very strange,” he stated.
Ataman recounted the alleged incident, revealing, “When I was going to the locker room, somebody from the Maccabi staff – I don’t know who, he was without accreditation – told me ‘You’ll see in Israel, you’ll see what the Zionists will do to you.’”
The Turkish coach, nevertheless, remained resolute, saying: “Hey come on, I’m Ergin Ataman. I’m the coach of Panathinaikos. I’m the coach of the Turkish national team. I’m a Turkish citizen. You can’t do nothing.”
The controversy stems from EuroLeague Basketball’s resolution to provoke disciplinary motion in opposition to Ataman and Panathinaikos after Game 1.
Following statements made by the Greek staff implying political motivations behind officiating selections, the EuroLeague accused Ataman of constructing “statements that are purposefully misleading and incorrect.”
Ataman challenged the group’s response, questioning why they singled him out for criticism.
“Please – EuroLeague. If you punish me, OK. But why make a statement against me?” Ataman stated. “The club made a statement about EuroLeague so they can make a statement against the club.”
He defended his proper to voice dissent, highlighting his in depth expertise in EuroLeague competitors: “I’ve coached more than 300 EuroLeague games. I’m not stupid. I just share my opinion with Greek journalists because people want to know why I’m furious with some calls.”
The confrontation underscores the strain between Ataman and EuroLeague Basketball, elevating questions concerning the boundaries of criticism inside the sport.
Ankara slams risk
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik condemned the aggression towards Ataman in an announcement on his social media account Friday.
“We strongly condemn the aggression towards Mr. Ergin Ataman, the head coach of our national basketball team and a valuable member of our sports community. We support our coach Ergin, who represents our country with success, against all forms of aggression.”
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak additionally commented on the matter, saying: “Ergin Ataman is the head coach of our national basketball team and a valuable sports figure representing our country. We are proud of his achievements, and we stand by our coach, who expresses his love for his country wherever he goes.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
