Ergin Ataman has provided further comments on the banner that was displayed in Cyprus during the friendly match with Maccabi Tel Aviv. According to Gazzetta, after his statement on Instagram, the Turkish coach of Panathinaikos spoke to the Turkish news agency Demirören Haber, emphasizing that the management of the European champions is also furious about the banner. He also mentioned that “Gate 13” contacted him regarding the issue.
“This banner was raised without the knowledge of Panathinaikos’ management. It is simply a banner raised by a small group of people. The club’s management is also very angry about this situation. Panathinaikos is one of the biggest basketball clubs in Europe and is opposed to any kind of political banners being mixed with sports. Additionally, they entrusted the team to the coach of the Turkish National Team while including two of our international players this season. He has good relations with the Turkish people,” said Ataman.
He added: “The biggest supporters’ group of Panathinaikos in Athens, ‘Gate 13,’ called and personally apologized. They stated that this banner was raised without any warning, only by this small group of Greek Cypriots. Moreover, the interest and affection shown to me in recent days at the stadium and in the city have been incredible. We know that such groups of people can appear anywhere in the world.”
The Timeline of the Case – Upset by the Banner About 50 Years of Turkish Occupation in Cyprus
The issue began when Ergin Ataman, the coach of Panathinaikos, expressed his displeasure on Instagram about the banner that was displayed yesterday, Monday, at the basketball tournament in Cyprus, where Panathinaikos is participating.
The banner referenced 50 years of Turkish occupation in Cyprus, and Panathinaikos fans reported that the Turkish coach was upset. They attribute his ejection with two technical fouls to a deliberate stance to leave the court.
“Stadiums are a place of friendship and peace, not politics,” Ataman stated in his post, referring to the “small group” that raised the banner, distinguishing them from the Panathinaikos fans who welcomed him warmly in Cyprus.
“I believe that sports and friendship will always prevail…” Ataman concluded his post.
Full Statement by Ergin Ataman
“I, Ergin Ataman, as the coach of Panathinaikos during the legendary last season, supported the tournament as 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 the people’s eyes made me very happy. During autograph signings, I met hundreds of basketball fans. This atmosphere of friendship and peace was promising for all of us.
However, yesterday, at the stadium where sports and friendship should prevail, a politically-themed banner was displayed by a small group of individuals, which cannot be compared to the hospitality we see here. I expressed my reaction to this situation most emphatically to draw attention to this issue.
Stadiums are a place of friendship and peace, not politics. I know that the people who raised this banner will not affect the feelings of the thousands who have shown love for me and the team from the first day here. 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 always remain the same. Because the strongest thing that unites us is the love we share for basketball.
I believe that sports and friendship will always prevail… Ergin Ataman”
