Ergin Ataman indirectly voices frustration over refereeing / News - Basketnews.com

Reflecting on the game, Ataman acknowledged his team's errors but also shifted the spotlight to the officiating, stating, "But there is somebody else that must analyze their mistakes at the start of the season."

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos Athens faced their fourth EuroLeague defeat in six games this season, maintaining a winless streak at Palau Blaugrana since 2013.

Player of the Game EFF 17 Tomas Satoransky Points 10 Accuracy 4-8 Rebounds 7 Assists 3

Despite a massive 28-point deficit at the beginning of the fourth quarter, PAO launched a spirited comeback, ultimately falling short to FC Barcelona by 8 points (72-80).

After the conclusion of the Round 6 game, coach Ergin Ataman expressed his frustration by vehemently approaching the referee crew. He declined to shake their hands and engaged in a brief but intense exchange with the crew chief, Sreten Radovic.

In his post-game interview with EuroLeague TV, Ataman indirectly addressed the officiating topic as well.

"I think that we made a lot of mistakes, and we must analyze them. But there is somebody else that must analyze their mistakes at the start of the season," Ataman underlined.

Tensions escalated in the final minute when the referee trio opted not to call an unsportsmanlike foul in favor of PAO. Adding to Ataman's frustration, they subsequently issued such a foul to Jerian Grant with only 6 seconds remaining.

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