Partizan claim part of fight video was deleted, dispute Zvezda's claims / News - Basketnews.com

Partizan say Lazarevic started the conflict and Nunnally retaliated, while Crvena Zvezda claim that Nunnally was the culprit. Partizan declared that part of the security footage video was deleted and called for law enforcement to step in.

Credit: YouTube/KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet Credit YouTube/KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet

The fight after morning practice between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade's James Nunnally and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade's Stefan Lazarevic has been at the forefront of every news site in Serbia before Game 3 of the ABA League Finals. Crvena Zvezda and Partizan have now released explanations of why it transpired.

Free throws this season

77%13,6Points made:13,6Accuracy:77,3%Place in standings:7Record max:24Record min:8Most made FTs:Nemanja NedovicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Earlier in the day, Crvena Zvezda announced that Lazarevic was seriously hurt after getting involved in a fight with Nunnally, with a severe bruise and a cut under his left eye. The ABA League sent a disciplinary judge to Belgrade to gather additional information, while local police visited the Belgrade Arena.

Hours later, Crvena Zvezda said it all happened due to a verbal exchange between the two players, related to the incident between them in Game 2 of the ABA League Finals earlier this week when Nunnally grabbed Lazarevic by the neck while fighting for a rebound.

"When leaving the locker room, Lazarevic ran into Nunnally and asked him, 'Why did you grab my neck, why are you doing that, is it basketball?', which can be seen on the video, to which the Partizan first team player replied that it was basketball and that he would grab him by the neck in the future and cursed him. Then there was a mutual push, after which Nunnally first hit Lazarevic in the area of ​​the left eye, and then when Stefan started going towards him, as can be seen in the video when both players fell, Nunnally hit Lazarevic a second time in the area of ​​the left eye and caused him serious physical injuries."

Partizan released a statement as well, disputing claims by Crvena Zvezda.

According to Partizan, Lazarevic grabbed Nunnally by the neck, which started the fight, with the Partizan forward retaliating against the Serbian player. Additionally, Partizan claim part of the video footage, which shows the exact moment when and why the fight starts, has been deleted.

"Unfortunately, the only recording that can confirm this is not complete because the period from 11:01:28 to 11:02:32 is missing, and KK Partizan calls for the URGENT INVOLVEMENT OF THE COMPETENT SERVICES in order to return the deleted recording and determine who deleted it! We ask that the person who deleted the video be held accountable in accordance with the law."

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According to Crvena Zvezda, Lazarevic has been sent to a local hospital for additional tests. Meanwhile, Nunnally was instructed to give a statement to the local law enforcement agents.

Lazarevic will not play in today's Game 3, Crvena Zvezda announced.

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