By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the majority shareholder of Panathinaikos Aktor, has issued a statement ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3 against Valencia at the Telekom Center Athens, demanding that fans maintain total composure as the Greens look to sweep the best-of-five series in the Playoffs of the 2025-26 edition of the EuroLeague.
This follows a chaotic Game 2. Meanwhile, Euroleague Basketball handed Giannakopoulos a three-game arena ban for his conduct.
Expressing his disbelief at the Taronges deciding to travel with extra private security, he remarked, “I read with surprise that our opponent tomorrow, Valencia, traveled with private security in their mission. This makes a great impression on me because in recent years our stadium has received the fewest fines, if I am not mistaken, than any other team.”
He credited the supporters for creating an elite environment, noting, “Our fans have created an atmosphere where we see families and young children coming to enjoy spectacle and services on and off the court that are like no other in Europe. This is the result of mutual respect of all members of the family called PANATHINAIKOS.”
Addressing the prestige of the club, Giannakopoulos asserted, “TO BE THE BIGGEST CLUB IN EUROPE IS NOT ONLY TO WIN CUPS BUT IT IS ALSO TO RESPECT THE OPPONENT, WHATEVER THEY COME TO DO.”
While he remains suspended from the arena following the Game 2 incidents and Spanish police filing reports against him, he acknowledged the friction while calling for restraint: “I am the first to consider the movement of the members of Valencia at the end of the match that brought the series to 0-2 as wrong, towards our fans, our athletes, but also to me… But that’s why it’s Valencia, and we are PANATHINAIKOS.”
The owner concluded with an explicit demand for order from the sold-out crowd, stating, “Usually I ask you, but this time you will allow me to demand decent behavior from everyone. From the organized fans who have shown they can make OAKA the most terrifying voice-based home court in Europe, to the people at courtside who live the intensity of the match at one meter… Especially them!”
He finished by emphasizing that the focus must remain on the game itself, regardless of outside pressure: “We go to win and finish the series, but no matter what happens, we do not enter the court at the end, and we definitely respect every person competing tomorrow… From the athletes and the referees to even any extreme provocateur. PANATHINAIKOS ONE TEAM ONE FAMILY.”
After two wins on the road, Panathinaikos needs one more to clinch a berth in the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad, which will be played in their home venue.