Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman expressed his displeasure via Instagram over a banner displayed at the basketball tournament in Cyprus, where his team was competing on Monday.

The banner referenced the 50 years of Turkish occupation in Cyprus, and it was reported by Panathinaikos fans that the Turkish coach appeared visibly irritated by it. Some even speculated that his ejection from the game, due to two technical fouls, was a deliberate act so that he could leave the court.

“Sports arenas are places of friendship and peace, not politics,” Ataman said in his post, emphasizing that the banner was raised by a “small group” of people, distinguishing them from the Panathinaikos fans who had welcomed him warmly in Cyprus.

Ataman concluded his message with a powerful sentiment: “I believe that sports and friendship will always prevail.”

Full Statement from Ergin Ataman:

“I, Ergin Ataman, as the coach of Panathinaikos after last season’s legendary run, supported this tournament because I believed it would contribute to ‘friendship and peace,’ and I came here with very positive feelings.

On the first day, we were warmly welcomed at the airport. The love in people’s eyes made me very happy. During autograph signings, I met hundreds of basketball fans. This atmosphere of friendship and peace was very promising for all of us.

However, yesterday, at the arena where sports and friendship should reign, a politically charged banner was raised by a small group of individuals, which no longer reflects the hospitality we’ve experienced here. I reacted to this situation most emphatically to draw attention to it.

Sports arenas are places of friendship and peace, not politics. I know that the people who raised this banner will not influence the feelings of the thousands who have shown me and the team love since day one. There will always be a special bond between us and these individuals.

Therefore, no matter what happens, my love for all the true basketball friends here will remain the same. The strongest thing that unites us is our shared love for basketball.

I believe that sports and friendship will always win…”

Ergin Ataman