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Panathinaikos faced Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv in a pre-season friendly in Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, losing 88-75. However, a provocative banner in the stands, referencing the Cyprus Peace Operation with the words "Years of illegal occupation … No one forgets," overshadowed the match result.
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The banner that angered Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman.
In the face of the controversial banner, Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach did not remain silent. Ataman stormed onto the court shortly after its revelation, angrily confronting the referees and demanding ejection from the game. After the incident, Ataman left the arena.
Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman argues with the referee for ejecting him from the game.
The Greek media asserted that a foul against Cedi Osman frustrated Ataman and sparked his outburst. However, they also emphasized that the banner display coincided with Ataman's reaction. The footage clearly shows Ataman telling the referees, "Eject me!"
With Turkish playersCedi OsmanandOmer Faruk Yurtsevenin the lineup, the Greek teamlost the game 88-75 to Maccabi. Yet, the banner controversy took center stage, overshadowing the match itself.
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