Chaos in Valencia: "Panathinaikos" Owner Sparks Police Incident Amidst Playoff Victory

A dramatic and controversial Game 2 in Valencia saw "Panathinaikos" snatch a vital victory, putting them on the brink of the EuroLeague Final Four. However, the on-court triumph was overshadowed by an ugly off-court incident involving "Panathinaikos" owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos, whose actions led to police intervention and condemnation from both sides.

The controversy erupted in the dying seconds of the game when Giannakopoulos, incensed by a perceived missed foul call, approached the officials' table. According to the official game report and "Valencia's" statement, he shouted at the referees and engaged in behavior deemed unacceptable by the Spanish club. "Valencia" strongly condemned Giannakopoulos's actions, stating that he crossed all boundaries, attempted to influence the referees, and refused to comply with security personnel, resulting in a police report being filed against him and other staff members.

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He crossed all boundaries during the game – approaching the service personnel, showing deplorable behavior, trying to influence the referees, insulting them. This is recorded in the game protocol. He also refused to obey security personnel instructions and caused unnecessary tension – for this, the police drew up a protocol for him and other staff members.

"Valencia" coach Pedro Martínez echoed the club's sentiment, calling Giannakopoulos's behavior "shameful" and emphasizing that the EuroLeague should not tolerate individuals who disrespect the sport's values. He criticized the owner's attempt to influence the game, deeming it completely unacceptable.

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I have to congratulate the opponents, but their owner's behavior is shameful. The EuroLeague cannot allow people who do not respect the values of sport to be here and spoil the atmosphere in a sport that is so beautiful. Going to the secretariat and trying to influence the game is completely unacceptable.

On the other side, "Panathinaikos" coach Ergin Ataman expressed disbelief and anger at the situation, describing it as unprecedented in his 30-year career. He lamented that police were called to the locker room area, attempting to detain his president and staff, which prevented the team from celebrating their hard-fought victory. Ataman questioned the motive behind "Valencia's" actions, suggesting they were trying to spoil the "Panathinaikos" celebration.

Despite the turmoil, "Panathinaikos" now holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. With the next two games scheduled in Athens, the Greek powerhouse has a strong opportunity to clinch a Final Four berth, especially with the Final Four being held in their home arena. However, the incident in Valencia has cast a dark cloud over the series, raising questions about sportsmanship and the conduct of club owners in high-stakes European basketball.

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Right now, ten police officers are standing next to our locker room trying to arrest our president and several staff members. I've been in this sport for 30 years and I've never seen anything like it. We won, we are all happy, but "Valencia" calls the police on us so we can't enjoy it. They are trying to arrest our president, the team manager. What is this? Thank you very much, see you in Athens.