15.03.2025 17:00
Ergin Ataman's Panathinaikos lost to Olympiakos 76-74 in the EuroLeague. Following the match, Ataman criticized the referees' decisions, to which the red-and-white coach Bartzokas responded, "According to him, we always win with the referees. I don't remember him talking about the referees after the games we won." Ergin Ataman also provided a written statement with a response that is sure to attract attention.
In the Greek derby of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Olympiakos defeated the reigning champion Panathinaikos AKTOR, coached by Ergin Ataman, 76-74, achieving their 22nd victory, the 6th in a row. The red-and-whites managed to secure a spot in the playoffs, where the top 6 teams will directly advance, with 5 weeks remaining in the regular season. After the match, tensions arose between Ataman and Olympiakos coach Giorgos Bartzokas over statements made.
ERGİN ATAMAN CRITICIZED THE REFEREE
Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman, who criticized the referee's decisions at the end of the match, said, "Even the commentators on EuroLeague TV said the ball came off McKissic. Then Moustapha Fall took 4-5 steps. We lost the match with a single shot, and for me, it is very hard to understand these 2 decisions because there were 3 experienced referees."
BARTZOKAS: I DON'T REMEMBER ATAMAN NOT TALKING ABOUT REFEREES
In response to these statements, Olympiakos coach Giorgos Bartzokas said, "Ataman does this after every match he loses. According to him, we always win with the referees. I don't remember him not talking about the referees after the matches we won."
ATAMAN'S DRAMATIC RESPONSE: WE BOTH KNOW WHO WILL BE THE CHAMPION
In response to Bartzokas's remarks, Ergin Ataman made a post on his Instagram account. In his post, Ataman stated the following;
"Dear friend Bartzokas,
I congratulate you on your victory yesterday. However, for the remainder of the season, please refrain from making evaluations based on my comments during press conferences. If you want to make an evaluation, you can do so about your own team.
Just a month ago, after the Cup final, no one forgot that you angrily directed yourself at the referees instead of shaking my hand.
Now let's talk about the real things. Was Fall's shot at the end of the match a walk or not? Be honest. Don't worry about the possibility of EuroLeague punishing me. I'm used to it. This time, let the bill come to me.
I know you are tense. But this won't help you. We all know how the season will end and who will be the champion. And you know it too."