Zalgiris make an appeal against the EuroLeague fine / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BNS Credit BNS

Zalgiris Kaunas filed an appeal against the EuroLeague disciplinary judge's decision to impose a fine on the Lithuanian champions for the April 3 events, which occurred in a match over Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade, via the club's press release.

2-pointers this season

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

Last week Zalgiris received a 9,000 euros fine and a warning for offensive home spectators' chants. During the game, there were several occasions when chants "F**k you Serbia" were heard.

The disciplinary judge ruled that the home team was responsible for the fans' actions.

Before the game, Zalgiris Kaunas players and officiating crew held a sign with a Ukrainian flag and the "Stop War" slogan. Emotions broke through when Zvezda starting five did not take it into their hands.

This sign has been held by all the teams that competed in Zalgirio Arena since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Knowing this, the Crvena Zvezda representatives contacted Zalgiris a few days before the match and informed that they will not keep a sign with the Ukrainian flag colors.

Instead, it was agreed that the basketball players of the Serbian powerhouse will keep the anti-war notes in a neutral color, but in the end, they did not do it.

Zalgiris Kaunas appealed to the assessment of this fact circumstances, adding a number of arguments, as to why the support of Ukraine, which is suffering from Russian aggression, is important and mandatory.

Meanwhile, the option that no club would hold the sign (which, according to the decision, provoked the fans) is not to be considered at all.

Zalgiris also drew the EuroLeague attention on the April 8th match in Belgrade, where Crvena Zvezda fans openly expressed their support for Russia's genocide in Ukraine, while anti-Nato and anti-European Union flags were waved in the stands.

"We decided to file an appeal, because the EuroLeague disciplinary judge's statements and assessments of the situation were argued regardless of the totality of the facts," said Paulius Motiejunas.

"We are being asked to 'do not make politics' when there are even more politics in the match in Belgrade. We have also received letters saying that Serbia is against the war in Ukraine. The EuroLeague Final Four event in Belgrade is a great opportunity to prove it. I hope that those responsible ones for writing letters will do their utmost to make the anti-war messages visible throughout the Final Four in Belgrade."

After EuroLeague announced the fine imposed on Zalgiris, a group of Zalgiris fans (Green White Boys), expressed support for the club and decided to mobilize the fans to collect the necessary amount of money to cover the fine.

Fans joined the campaign to express support for Ukraine and confirm that their actions during the home match were a natural reaction to the gesture of the Serbian team.

During the week, the Green White Boys collected 6,607 euros and transferred money to the club's account, while Zalgiris Honor Club members are determined to pay the rest of the fine.

"We are very proud of our fans' support. The fans' unification and the determination to pay the fine demonstrate the unity that is so needed. We thank both the Green White Boys for gathering all the fans and the Zalgiris Honor Club," said Motiejunas.

If Zalgiris' appeal to EuroLeague is upheld and the fine is canceled or reduced, the remaining part of the amount of money would be transferred to the Blue/Yellow organization, which collects the aid.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.