Ergin Ataman ejected over anti-Türkiye chants in Greek finals
Panathinaikos AKTOR head coach Ergin Ataman was ejected late in Game 2 of the Greek League Finals on Sunday following a confrontation with Olympiakos fans over reported profanities targeting Türkiye. Olympiakos went on to win the game 91-83, evening the best-of-five series at 1-1.
“This is not sport. This is a circus.”
Ataman, one of Europe’s most accomplished basketball coaches, received his second technical foul with just over two minutes left in the game after reacting to chants coming from the stands at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. After the game, the Turkish coach claimed his ejection stemmed from a personal protest against derogatory remarks aimed not at his team, but at his country.
“No one here can insult my country,” Ataman said during a fiery post-game press conference. “They can insult me or Panathinaikos, but not Türkiye. That’s why I was given the second technical foul. This is not sport — this is a circus.”
Heated Game, Hostile Atmosphere
The high-stakes match was marred by tension from the start. Olympiakos maintained the lead throughout, fending off a strong Panathinaikos push led by Ioannis Papapetrou in the final minutes. The game, lasting over two hours, was played in a charged environment, with chants, jeers, and confrontations erupting both on and off the court.
Ataman also criticized the officiating, citing a disparity in free throw attempts: “They play aggressive, and they shoot 33 free throws; we only had 17. They try to fight, they try to hit us. This is not basketball.”
Owner Ejected Amid Chants
Controversy also surrounded Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos, who was reportedly forced to leave the arena at halftime after confronting match officials about offensive chants — some of which he claimed were directed at his daughter. Giannakopoulos later voiced his frustration on Instagram, stating he was removed despite being on the receiving end of the abuse.
The incident has added another layer of tension to what is already one of Europe's fiercest basketball rivalries, now inflamed by national sensitivities and questions over fan behavior.
Game 3 of the finals is expected to be played under heightened security, as tempers continue to flare both on and off the court.
