EuroLeague fines Maccabi rapyd over abusive chants targeting Ataman
EuroLeague Basketball has fined Israeli club Maccabi Rapyd €12,000 (about $14,300) over abusive chants directed at Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman during a recent game in Tel Aviv.
The sanction was imposed under EuroLeague disciplinary regulations following insulting chants by home fans during the Week 24 match at Menora Mivtachim Arena, which Maccabi Rapyd won 75–71. The incident drew attention as harsher penalties had been expected.
Reports said abusive chants targeting Ataman began outside the arena before tip-off and continued throughout the game and after the final buzzer. Ataman, who also coaches Türkiye’s national team, criticized the lack of intervention, calling the atmosphere unacceptable for a professional competition.
The incident has also revived calls from some European fan groups for tougher measures against Israeli teams, though EuroLeague has so far maintained its current disciplinary stance.
