24.01.2026 10:44
The Turkish Basketball Federation requested an investigation into the abusive chants directed at Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman by Maccabi Ramat Gan fans in the EuroLeague. The federation condemned this behavior as contrary to the spirit of sports and ethical values.
The Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) requested an investigation into the abusive chants directed at head coach Ergin Ataman of Panathinaikos, who was hosted by the Israeli team Maccabi Ramat Gan in the 24th week of the EuroLeague.
"UNACCEPTABLE"
In a statement made on TBF's website, it was noted that the ugly chants of the Israeli fans were condemned, stating, "As the Turkish Basketball Federation, we believe in the unifying power of basketball; we emphasize that we are always the strongest supporters of our athletes, coaches, and administrators who successfully represent our country around the world. It is absolutely unacceptable for our values representing our country on the international stage to be subjected to attacks that are contrary to the spirit of sports and ethical values. We strongly condemn the ugly chants directed at our National Men's Team Head Coach Mr. Ergin Ataman during the Maccabi Ramat Gan-Panathinaikos match played in the EuroLeague, which are incompatible with the universal values of sports."
In the continuation of the statement, it was expressed, "We expect the EuroLeague management to thoroughly investigate this serious incident in order to preserve the peaceful nature of sports; we anticipate that necessary disciplinary processes will be promptly initiated to prevent similar situations from recurring."