Βy Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos Athens coach Ergin Ataman exited Game 4 of the playoffs between his team and Anadolu Efes 16 seconds before the final buzzer after being taunted by fans of the home side.
Some fans were shouting “Ergin Ataman, call a timeout,” which is a chant traditionally used against the Turkish coach by supporters of Fenerbahce Beko. There’s been a great deal of animosity between Ataman and Fener fans since the days he was coaching Galatasaray, the former’s archrival.
Ataman, also the Turkish national team head coach, was apparently stunned to hear this at the home court of Efes, the club with which he won the back-to-back EuroLeague championships of 2021 and 2022. He didn’t give the customary flash interview after the game and wasn’t present in the press conference that was instead attended by his assistant Christos Serelis.
“I’m here because coach Ataman doesn’t feel very well,” Serelis said in the post-game presser after Panathinaikos‘ loss that tied the series 2-2. “He has a huge history with this club and many big achievements. I think he feels that some don’t respect him.”
Upon hearing the chants, Ataman addressed the part of the arena above the bench of Panathinaikos from where the bulk of the jeers was coming, pointing with his fingers and verbally responding as well. He showed the banners in the arena and, after talking to one of the referees, left for the locker room visibly upset while being booed by the crowd.
Panathinaikos swingman and former Efes player Cedi Osman, characterized the incident as “disrespectful” toward his coach. “It was bullsh–t,” he said.
After the game, Ataman’s teenage son Sarp posted the following on Instagram: “Today, the items I thought I would keep for the rest of my life can spend a peaceful evening in the trash.”