By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
Sergio Scariolo’s comments after the defeat against Baskonia once again put the spotlight on refereeing, just days after the EuroLeague final against Olympiacos.
The coach didn’t hide his displeasure and hinted at a deep sense of grievance regarding several recent refereeing decisions, although he wanted to separate his criticism from the performance of the Vitoria team.
Immediately after the game, the Italian coach cast doubt on the refereeing in both domestic and European competitions.
Even so, he wanted to make it clear that his words weren’t intended to diminish the Basque team’s victory.
“Another game that has left me with many doubts about situations we’ll see. We haven’t been lucky with the refereeing in either the Liga ACB or the EuroLeague. But I don’t want to take anything away from Baskonia; they did a great job. This isn’t about them. It’s a reflection that needs to be made, and it will be done in the appropriate forums; it’s obvious and obligatory.”
In the press conference, Scariolo first addressed the European final loss to Olympiacos, a game that continues to generate debate in European basketball.
The coach stated that he felt supported by the widespread opinion of numerous experts and sports professionals.
“It was an injustice. It was impressive how everyone, neutral, both European and international, expressed themselves this way. I am part of it, and I tried to review it twice with great objectivity, and I have reached the same conclusion as everyone else. I’m not talking about fans, I’m talking about players and people with extensive knowledge. That said, we can’t go back. The injustice has been suffered. At an institutional level, I won’t comment on what the club will do; I’m the coach. But I can’t bury my head in the sand and deny it. The time has come to look ahead and focus all our attention on what comes next.”
The coach’s words fuel a debate that had already been growing regarding certain refereeing decisions during the decisive stretch of the season.
Meanwhile, Scariolo’s team will have to try to quickly turn the page and focus on upcoming commitments, in a context marked by competitive tension and institutional controversy.
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