Tel aviv: The Turkish head coach of Greek basketball team Panathinaikos, Ergin Ataman, was subjected to verbal abuse before and during a EuroLeague game in Israel against the local team, Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv. The incident occurred as Panathinaikos faced Maccabi Rapyd in a Week 24 EuroLeague matchup.

According to Anadolu Agency, approximately 300 Maccabi fans gathered at the entrance of the arena and directed insults towards Ataman and the Greek club ahead of the match in Tel Aviv. The abusive behavior continued throughout the game, with Israeli fans chanting profanities, and escalated further after the final whistle as Ataman made his way to the locker room.

Despite Maccabi Rapyd's 75-71 victory over Panathinaikos, Ataman expressed pride in his team's performance. However, he condemned the hostile atmosphere, stating, "We come here to do our job. If 10,000 people wait in front of the locker room and insult me for 40 minutes, this is not basketball."

Ataman also highlighted a lack of intervention by referees and officials throughout the incident, underscoring his disapproval of the situation and emphasizing that such behavior is not in line with the spirit of sportsmanship.