By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The FIBA U18 European Championships in Nis, Serbia, got off to a rough start as the Mika Antic elementary school’s gym faced unsafe conditions caused by heavy rain and lack of air-conditioning.
As reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, multiple injuries occurred due to the slippery playing surface, with Poland’s Jakub Szumert suffering a harsh fall during a fast break.
In response to the unfavorable conditions, players from the Turkish and Polish national teams protested by spending the last five minutes of their match passing the ball without attempting any shots, as Turkey had already established an unattainable lead and eventually won 78-63.
Chaos at the FIBA U18 European Championship in Nis, Serbia. Heavy rain and no air-conditioning caused unsafe conditions and multiple serious injuries caused players to essentially boycott finishing the game with 5 minutes left. Next game starting regardless. The show must go on pic.twitter.com/MauCzsUza8
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) July 22, 2023
Despite the protest, the following game between Sweden and France proceeded as scheduled at the same venue.
Givony also reported several leaks in the roof of the other venue, Cair sports hall, resulting in game delays. For instance, the Serbian team’s match against the Czech team, which was initially scheduled for 20.30 CET, started at 21.40 CET due to the delays caused by the roof leaks.