Panathinaikos to host Fenerbahce inside empty OAKA

Panathinaikos are set to host Fenerbahce inside an empty OAKA Indoor Hall in the EuroLeague after the Athenians were punished for fan behaviour against Olympiacos.

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On Monday afternoon, the EuroLeague organisation released this following statement on its official website:

“PANATHINAIKOS OPAP ATHENS has been sanctioned with fines totaling €54,001 and a sanction to play its next home game played behind closed doors, for the failure to adopt the necessary security measures, the lighting of flares and fireworks inside the arena, committing acts that show a lack of respect, on occasion of its home game against Olympiacos Piraeus under articles 29.1.h), 29.2.e), 27.2.b), and 29.2.g) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.”

This subsequently means that Panathinaikos will host Fenerbahce inside an empty OAKA tomorrow. Tickets for the game had long been on sale.

Panathinaikos boss, Rick Pitino, was furious with the timing of the announcement: “24 hours before a game, you don’t penalise the players and the fans who are coming from Germany, from five different countries to attend the match,” said the American coach. “Do you know how many people have paid for plane flights and made hotel reservations? This is a very poor executive decision by the EuroLeague, forgetting the fact that we have to suffer because our fans don’t behave in the correct way. The EuroLeague is equally as wrong with its administrative decision.”

“If they wanted to do this for the match against Real Madrid, I can understand, because something has to be done for unruly behaviour. Without question, the EuroLeague is right for making sure these things don’t happen during matches, but you don’t make these decisions 24 hours before a match. You must make proper decisions, and this isn’t a proper one.”

Several firecrackers had been lit during Panathinaikos’ thrilling 99-93 overtime triumph over arch-rivals Olympiacos on December 6.

Panathinaikos are due to play against Fenerbahce at 22:00 local time tomorrow in Athens. At the moment, Panathinaikos occupy sixth place of the EuroLeague regular season standings with an 8-5 record, while Fenerbahce are languishing in 13th spot with only five wins.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sportfm.gr

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