Zeljko Obradovic erupts on fan behavior: 'I have nothing more to say' / News - Basketnews.com

Obradovic heavily criticized the fans for their behavior in the ABA League finals, remembering a time when both teams could coexist peacefully. He wanted people to recognize the level of basketball in the competition and ask themselves whether the players would like to stay in Serbia if people continued behaving like they do now.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Emilija Jovanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Emilija Jovanovic

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade tied the ABA League final series against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in what was another fiery eternal derby between the two teams. After the game, Partizan's head coach Zeljko Obradovic was visibly frustrated with the way fans behave in the derbies.

Points this season

46%77,2Points made:77,2Accuracy:46,0%Place in standings:14Record max:94Record min:56Best scorer:Nemanja NedovicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Talking with the media in the post-game press conference, Obradovic provided a fiery answer to a question about fan behavior.

"15 days ago, I watched Nikola Jokic in the NBA. Then, I found a channel where there was a game from 1987 between Partizan and Zvezda. Back then, fans of both teams were present at both matches, chants of 'Bring us the title' were there, the fans were nice and cultured to each other. What happened that we have these situations in 2023? What happened, what is it about?" Obradovic said.

"Experts should explain to us where we have gone as people. When our bus was coming, a child went with the mother, he spat on the bus and showed the middle finger, and the mother laughed," he gave an example. "I'd like for us not to get into such a situation in the fifth game at any moment, I ask my fans to cheer fairly and sportily. The players of both teams deserve it."

Game 3 between the teams had to be delayed due to conflicts between Crvena Zvezda fans and Partizan players. The league later fined both the home team and the visiting players. Game 2, meanwhile, featured heavy insults toward Nemanja Nedovic's wife.

Crvena Zvezda players helped Partizan players leave the court peacefully after Game 4 by coming alongside them. All of this is taking away from what's happening on the court, Zeljko says.

"In the first two games, two coins and one lighter were thrown, and I hope that neither of that happens in the 5th game, I pray to God for it, I beg Partizan fans not to do it. I think we deserve a final where we only talk about basketball. Do you realize the basketball quality we have here? Will these players want to stay in this environment next year if we behave like that?" the legendary specialist asked. "That's the question of all questions. I've been asking it myself for the past few days."

"I've been friends with Zvezda players since that period, and I'm friends with the Zvezda fans. They called me to apologize, just like I should apologize to them," he shared. "Who's the one that sows hatred, who started the things that are happening? These are the questions of all questions."

"You have a pen, so write. I have nothing more to tell you," Obradovic stood up and left the room.

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