Giorgos Bartzokas verbally attacked by AEK fans, two people detained by the police / News - Basketnews.com

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Olympiacos Piraeus downed AEK Athens 76-70 and qualified for the Greek Cup final, where they will face Panathinaikos OPAP Athens for the 10th time in the competition's history.

3-pointers this season

35%9,4Points made:9,4Accuracy:35,2%Place in standings:2Record max:18Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Tyler DorseyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

After the end of the semifinal game, things got heated between some AEK fans and Olympiacos head coach Giorgos Bartzokas, when the Greek tactician was heading for the customary flash interview with the Greek broadcaster.

Police forces on the stand in Heraklion, Crete, detained two people who were screaming and cursing. AEK fans made some remarks about the officiating, Bartzokas responded, and although at first, things were under control, the situation quickly escalated.

During and after the recent AEK-Olympiacos game for the Greek League, the Reds' guard Giannoulis Larentzakis, who played with AEK from 2016 through 2019, was also verbally attacked by home fans.

This time around, however, AEK coach Stefanos Dedas and team manager Giorgos Chinas intervened in order to ease the tension.

Security measures in Heraklion during the three-day Final 4 are nothing short of draconian, as police forces and security men employed by the Greek Basketball Federation are not allowing entrance to anyone without a valid COVID vaccination certificate and accreditation or invitation.

There are essentially two checkpoints: the first is at a 200-meter distance from the installation, and the other one is located at the entrance. Cars without a special permit are also now allowed to approach the "Dyo Aorakia" gym, located in the region of Nea Alikarnassos.

According to gazzetta.gr, 28 persons who had been involved in violent incidents in the past were excluded from the invitation list once the Greek Basketball Federation took notice.

During the first semifinal between Panathinaikos and Promitheas Patras, the gym (with a capacity of 5.200 seats) was not even 25% full, even though the Federation stated that around 2.000 persons would be in attendance. During the second semifinal involving Olympiacos and AEK, attendance increased to almost 40%.

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