By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos AKTOR has issued a strong statement condemning a series of incidents that took place during and after Game 2 of their EuroLeague playoff series against Valencia Basket.
While acknowledging the disappointment felt by Valencia supporters after their team’s defeat, the Greek club stressed that “an unfavorable result for their team cannot justify for unacceptable incidents”.
Among the allegations, Panathinaikos highlighted that objects were thrown toward their bench during the game.
The club also claimed that Valencia’s security personnel interfered directly with Panathinaikos players during the match. According to the statement, security staff attempted to prevent players from celebrating successful plays from the bench—an incident the club described as unprecedented, labeling that as “unprecedented and has never occurred in any arena worldwide”.
Tensions reportedly escalated after the final whistle. Panathinaikos accused Valencia players and officials of launching unprovoked attacks on members of their team. Particular mention was made of a confrontation involving Isaac Nogués and Kendrick Nunn, with the statement asserting that the same player “immediately afterward also attacked assistant coach Vasilis Simtsak, who had simply gone to greet Panathinaikos fans.”
Further criticism was directed at arena security, who were accused of forcibly removing Panathinaikos officials from the Roig Arena without justification after the game.
Panathinaikos also referred to what it described as “harassment tactics” employed by the Spanish club’s security personnel towards Panathinaikos’ supporters in both Game 1 and Game 2 of the series.
Another serious allegation concerns an incident involving club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos. According to Panathinaikos, Valencia’s management called police into the locker room area in an attempt to detain him unlawfully. The move was reportedly based on claims—also noted in the official game report—that he had told referees: “Call the foul! Call the foul.”
The Greek side emphasized its long-standing presence in European basketball, stating that “Panathinaikos is undeniably one of the most historic clubs in Europe, with vast experience from countless away games. Yesterday in Valencia, however, the team experienced the worst level of hospitality and conduct ever encountered in a European arena.
It is evident that all of the above incidents have already been formally reported to the EuroLeague”.