Zeljko Obradovic has a message for Partizan fans ahead of Game 3 vs. Zvezda / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Dragana Stjepanovic

Next Wednesday, June 1, the Adriatic League Finals continue as Partizan NIS Belgrade host city rivals Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade. After two lost matches in front of Red Star fans, Zeljko Obradovic's men will enjoy the home support.

2-pointers this season

53%19,9Points made:19,9Accuracy:52,8%Place in standings:6Record max:28Record min:13Most made 2FGs:Nikola KalinicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In the wake of everything that transpired during and after Game 2 at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, Obradovic wanted to address his team's fans with a clear message to stay away from similar behavior.

"I'd like to invite our fans to fill the former Pioneer Arena to the maximum capacity and support us as they have done throughout the entire season. At the same time, I want to urge them to support us in a sportsmanlike fashion, without insulting anyone.

I hope that the players, the coaching staff, and all opposing team members will feel comfortable in the gym, and the only pressure exerted upon them will be brought by the thunderous support of our team," said Obradovic.

On the eve of tomorrow's duel, the president of Partizan, Ostoja Mijailovic, sent a message to all the fans who will be in the stands of the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.

"Events from the first and second games of the finals have no place in sports and must not happen at Partizan games. No such behavior and no outbursts of irresponsible individuals must distort the image of the fiery but dignified support of Partizan fans", Mijailovic emphasized.

"A full arena, with the loud and heartfelt support that befits Partizan fans, will be of great help to our young team to win and extend the final series," added the president of the black and whites.

After the end of Game 2, which saw Zvezda win 85-81, one of the members of Partizan's coaching staff had something to say to home fans sitting behind their bench, and the home fans reacted immediately. Various objects were thrown on the field from the stands (glasses, bottles, etc.) at Partizan's players.

The situation escalated whenMathias Lessort confronted the crowd. The French big man started moving toward the fans before players from both teams prevented him from engaging physically with them.

Then, Partizan's guard Kevin Punter, who had played for Red Star in 2019-20, showed his middle finger to the home fans.

As objects were being constantly thrown from the stands, Zvezda captains Ognjen Dobric, Luka Mitrovic, and Nikola Kalinic stood at the entrance to the tunnel, asking rabid fans to stop.

What's more, problems also occurred during the game, as Crvena Zvezda fans kept insulting Partizan GM Zoran Savic, which led to the derby being interrupted several times.

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