23.01.2026 11:57
Maccabi Rapyd fans chanted abusive slogans against Ergin Ataman during the EuroLeague match against Panathinaikos. Ataman criticized this situation, stating that what happened could not be described as 'basketball'.
Nearly 300 Israeli fans gathered at the entrance of the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv before the EuroLeague match, using insulting expressions about Ergin Ataman, who is also the head coach of the Turkish National Men's Basketball Team, and the Greek team.
THEY CHANTED OBSCENITIES
The Israeli fans continued their obscene chants during the match and after the game, while Ergin Ataman was heading to the locker room. Maccabi Ramat Gan won the match played in the 24th week of the EuroLeague 75-71.
"THIS IS NOT SPORT"
After the match, Ergin Ataman reacted to the obscene chants he was subjected to in a statement.
Ataman expressed pride in his team for their efforts, stating, "We fought tremendously. We had many chances to win the game. But that is the basketball side of it. The other side is that we are competing with the NBA as the EuroLeague, but this is not basketball. We come here to do our job. If 10,000 people are waiting in front of the locker room and insulting me for 40 minutes, this is not basketball. I have not seen such a thing in the NBA. This is not sport. I am doing my job, but while 10,000-15,000 people are insulting me here, the referees and officials are not doing their jobs. Keep it up."
Previously, fan groups in Spain, Italy, and Greece had demanded the expulsion of Israeli basketball teams from the EuroLeague through protests and written statements.