The highest level of the Greek Basketball league was caught in controversy once more as the final witnessed a rogue mob of fans. Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo was also a victim of the chaos that ensued.
The tussle broke out as the Olympiacos took a strong headstart and the Panathinaikos fans hurled flares and water bottles at the leading team.
Giannis caught in chaos in Greek Finals
Among the players caught in the violent situation at the OAKA arena was NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with his brothers were among many fans who had to be evacuated amidst the chaos.
As fans’ rage was uncontrollable, the game had to be stopped with 2:46 minutes to spare. This temporary pause was forced to be made permanent as the mob refused to calm down, throwing lit firecrackers, broken chairs, open fire extinguishers, and other debris into the court.
Antetokounbros and hundreds, if not thousands, fans left OAKA after Game 4 of the Greek Finals suspended with 2:46 to go in the third quarter. Objects and smoke bombs were thrown from the stands into the court, while Olympiacos were up 28. pic.twitter.com/ZwIxjrYM2W
— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) June 15, 2023
Giannis was present at the scene with his three brothers, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex. They were compelled to leave the arena, as Olympiacos players’ benches were being viciously attacked.
The absolutely horrifying incident in Greece’s OAKA arena has proven once again that the infamous wrath of the public knows absolutely no limits. This often makes one question the legitimacy of fans, who claim to be ardent supporters of their heroes.
What Greek team did Giannis play for?
One of five children of immigrant, impoverished Nigerian parents in Greece, Giannis began basketball while playing for the youth teams of Filathlitikos in Athens. He began to play for the team’s senior squad in 2011, before finally entering the NBAs as the 15th overall by Milwaukee Bucks.
Since then, there has been no looking back for Antetokounmpo. He was awarded the NBA’s most valuable player award consecutively for two years. This made him only the third player after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James to win two MVPs before the age of 26.
Antetokounmpo has been a living testament to talent. In spite of severe hurdles like poverty, alienation, and immigrant crisis, he stood tall to write his name amongst the greatest in the field.
Unfortunately, players have to regularly suffer due to this negligent attitude. Superstar Greek players like Giannis are caught up in controversy right in their homelands, watching the very game they represent.
What do you think about such shocking incidents jolting the sports world with shock? Do you have any ideas to keep them under check in the future? Make sure to share your opinions with us.
