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Lithuanian Basketball League Investigates Racism Claims Between Juventus and Neptūnas
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Sports

Lithuanian Basketball League Investigates Racism Claims Between Juventus and Neptūnas

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • The Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) has launched an investigation into racism allegations between the "Juventus" and "Neptūnas" clubs.
  • The probe follows accusations by "Juventus" that "Neptūnas" player Martynas Pacevičius made racist remarks towards "Juventus" player Maxwell Lewis.
  • "Neptūnas" and Pacevičius deny the allegations, with the player threatening legal action against "Juventus" for defamation.

The Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) has initiated a formal investigation into serious allegations of racism that have surfaced between the "Juventus" and "Neptūnas" basketball clubs. The league is actively gathering information, including statements from individuals involved and witnesses, and is meticulously analyzing video and audio evidence.

There were no racist insults or remarks from my side, and I can boldly say that this is a defamation of my name.

— Martynas PacevičiusThe Neptūnas player denied the racism allegations and threatened legal action.

The investigation was prompted by a statement from the Utenos "Juventus" club following their third LKL semi-final game. The club accused Martynas Pacevičius, a center for "Neptūnas," of making racist remarks directed at "Juventus" player Maxwell Lewis.

However, the "Neptūnas" club has vehemently denied these accusations. Captain Martynas Pacevičius himself has categorically rejected the claims, stating, "There were no racist insults or remarks from my side, and I can boldly say that this is a defamation of my name." Pacevičius indicated he is considering legal action against the Utenos "Juventus" organization and Maxwell Lewis for slander.

Very sorry that 'clickbait' journalism still prevails in Lithuania, but I didn't think that basketball news portals would promote it.

— Martynas PacevičiusPacevičius criticized media coverage of the incident.

The LKL emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, racism, or hate speech, stating that such incidents are taken very seriously. The league urged all participants, including clubs, players, coaches, and fans, to maintain respect and uphold fundamental human rights and values, especially as the crucial LKL finals approach. The league will announce the findings of its investigation once all relevant information has been collected and assessed.

To publicly slander my name without even my comment.

— Martynas PacevičiusPacevičius expressed frustration over being publicly accused without his input.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.