By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos has issued a strongly worded response to Panathinaikos amid the clubs’ ongoing dispute over disciplinary complaints, revealing that its president, Giorgos Angelopoulos, gave permission for its collaborating surgeon to operate on Mathias Lessort last November.
According to the statement, Panathinaikos, Lessort and his representative approached Dutch orthopedic surgeon Niek van Dijk to treat the French center. Olympiacos said the doctor had an exclusive partnership with the club in Greece and required special permission to take on the case.
“We understand the obsession of Panathinaikos BC and its owner with Olympiacos and its members; however, perhaps you could find a moment—between drafting your complaints—to inform the sports public about something truly significant regarding the health and career of one of your own athletes?
Quite some time has passed since then, but it appears that the hatred directed at Olympiacos and its Presidents is clouding not only your judgment but your memory as well.”
The club then outlined its involvement in arranging treatment for the French center.
“Olympiacos BC is today informing the sports public about the events of last November concerning the health of basketball player Mathias Lessort and the surgery he underwent, performed by the renowned orthopedist Niek van Dijk—a close associate of our team and the personal physician of Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos.
Panathinaikos BC, along with the French center and his representative, approached the Dutch professor Dr. Niek van Dijk to treat the athlete’s medical issue. They were informed by him that he maintains an exclusive partnership with Olympiacos in Greece and could only undertake Mathias Lessort’s case with special permission. The President of Panathinaikos BC contacted the Vice President of Olympiacos BC to request our permission, and the player’s representative did the same. Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos immediately granted his approval and personally contacted Dr. Van Dijk to inform him.”
Olympiacos concluded by calling for acknowledgment of that assistance.
“For us, the health—both physical and mental—of an athlete, or indeed of any fellow human being, is non-negotiable.
Given the ample time you have to draft baseless accusations, you could have also penned a brief note of thanks regarding such a serious and sensitive matter.”
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