Erkin Ataman: “The Panathinaikos BC was furious with the banner, the door 13 apologized to me”

He spoke to the Turkish news agency about the banner raised by his fans about the occupation of Cyprus in the friendly game of the clover with Maccabi at the New-phytos Chandriotis tournament. During Panathinaikos’ friendly struggle with Maccabi in Cyprus, green fans raised banners that wrote “50 years of illegal occupation. Nobody forgets.” Erkin Ataman was furious and expelled from the game, explaining his intense reaction Tuesday morning (17/9/2024) to social media. After his post on Instagram, Erkin Ataman also went on to make a statement to the Turkish news agency, where he stressed that Panathinaikos’ administration was also furious with the banner, and he also revealed a call received from Port 13. In detail his position: “This banner went up without the knowledge of Panathinaikos’ administration. It’s just a banner that posted a small group of people. The management of the club is also very angry with this situation. Panathinaikos is one of the largest basketball clubs in Europe and it was against all kinds of political banners to blend in sport. In addition, they trusted the team to coach the Turkish National Team while they included two of our international players this season. He has good relations with the Turkish people,” Ataman first said and continued: “The greatest link of Panathinaikos fans in Athens, “Thyra 13”, called and expressed her apology in person. They stated that this banner went up without any warning, except from this small group of Greek Cypriots. Moreover, the interest and love they showed me these days on the field and in the city were incredible. We know that such groups of people can appear anywhere in the world.”