By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Dimitris Giannakopoulos was banned for three games after the incidents happened in Game 2 of the EuroLeague playoffs series between Valencia and Panathinaikos.
With one game left to decide the series, Panathinaikos‘ owner hopes this can change.
As he wrote on Instagram: “I hope that Valencia will now file a request that I have the possibility to watch Game 5, which will decide whether we will be the 4th team of the Final Four in Athens. I also would like to believe that EuroLeague management would accept. I’m sure all basketball stakeholders would unanimously agree”.
Considering what happened in Game 2 and the involvement of the Spanish police in the case, it seems highly unlikely for Valencia to change its stance towards Giannakopoulos.
On the other side, with the series extended to Game 5 after Panathinaikos got a 0-2 lead on the road, but failed to close it at home, Giannakopoulos will be eligible to attend the Final Four, which will be hosted in Panathinaikos arena in Athens.