Sloukas causes controversy in Turkey
Kostas Sloukas caused controversy in Turkey this weekend, as the Fenerbahce star didn’t touch a banner dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
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On Sunday, Fenerbahce players displayed a banner marking the 81st anniversary of Ataturk’s death before their Turkish Basketball League match against Besiktas, but Sloukas wasn’t holding it:
Sloukas was immediately criticised heavily in Turkey, with former Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers player Semih Erden notably speaking out on Twitter:
Erden’s post shows Sloukas not touching the banner while standing behind it.
Fenerbahce subsequently published this statement made by Sloukas:
“I have great respect both for this country and this team. I have been here for five years. I respect this country and its history. None of my actions were made consciously. I was fully focused on the game, and I didn’t realise what was going on around me. Everyone knows who I am and how I fight for this club. After all, I’ve been here with this team for five years. I fight for this team and this country. I was not being disrespectful. I understand that this country holds an important history. I have always respected this. Yes, I am a Greek citizen, but I’ve been playing here for five years and Fenerbahce is a representative of Turkey.”
Sloukas went on to score 17 points and dish out six assists in the match as Fenerbahce defeated Besiktas at the Ulker Sports Arena.
The 29-year-old Greek guard has averaged 7.1 points, 4.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce only winning two of their opening seven games.
