{"id":255441,"date":"2026-01-24T14:02:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T14:02:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/255441\/"},"modified":"2026-01-24T14:02:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T14:02:08","slug":"turkish-federation-supports-ergin-ataman-condemns-offensive-and-inappropriate-chants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/255441\/","title":{"rendered":"Turkish Federation supports Ergin Ataman, condemns offensive and inappropriate chants"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Johnny Askounis\/ info@eurohoops.net<\/a><\/p>\n

Reacting to incidents marking Round 24 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, specifically the meeting between Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos Aktor in Menora Mivtachim Arena on Thursday<\/a>, the Turkish Basketball Federation issued an official statement, confirming support for Ergin Ataman, the head coach of the Greens.<\/p>\n

Per the press release: \u201cAs the Turkish Basketball Federation, we firmly believe in the unifying power of basketball and emphasize that we stand as the strong supporters of our athletes, coaches, and officials who proudly represent our country across the world.<\/p>\n

It is strictly unacceptable for our country\u2019s distinguished representatives on the international stage to be subjected to attacks that are contrary to the spirit and ethical values of sport. We hereby strongly condemn the offensive and inappropriate chants directed at the Head Coach of the Turkish Men\u2019s National Team, Mr. Ergin Ataman, during the EuroLeague game between Maccabi Tel Aviv<\/a> and Panathinaikos<\/a>, chants that are wholly incompatible with the universal values of sport.<\/p>\n

We call upon the EuroLeague management to thoroughly investigate this serious incident in order to safeguard the peaceful nature of sport, and we expect the necessary disciplinary actions to be promptly implemented to prevent similar situations from recurring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kamuoyunun Bilgisine \u2013 Official Statement pic.twitter.com\/FSY78RP1S3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 TBF (@TBF) January 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Verbal abuse toward the 60-year-old Turkish tactician<\/a> stretched from a heated pregame to insults from the stands during the game between Maccabi<\/a> and Panathinaikos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ataman, a three-time EuroLeague champion, also serves as the selector of the senior national team of Turkiye and captured silver in last summer\u2019s EuroBasket 2025, besides being in charge of the Greek powerhouse at the club level since 2023.<\/p>\n

Read the latest News<\/a><\/p>\n