Excessive Real behavior: When high expectations lead to emotional outbursts / News - Basketnews.com

Real Madrid's exaggerated frustration, including arguing with referees, physical altercations with opposing players, and unpleasant interactions with fans, have become a trend that needs to go away.

Credit: Mundo Deportivo Credit Mundo Deportivo

Kevin Punter made a flashy dribble, and Sergio Llull produced a harsh foul hitting the Partizan playmaker in the abdominal area. The rest is history.

Real Madrid / Schedule

Real Madrid Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade87-89 Real Madrid Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade80-95 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Real MadridTue18:30 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Real MadridThu18:30

The infamous Real-Partizan brawl in Game 2 went viral, while EuroLeague's hashtag was trending on Twitter.

Real Madrid's actions caught the attention of the European basketball community as an improper way to behave in a losing situation.

While some may argue that this is simply a sign of the team's competitiveness and desire to win, others are worried that this type of behavior sets a poor example and undermines the integrity of the sport.

"This s**t so weak..." Will Clyburn tweeted about Yabusele's bodyslam.

Looking back into Game 2 vs. Partizan, Real players were sparkling since the first quarter and an unsuccessful start to the match (0-9).

The last call of a potential confrontation occurred just 11 seconds before the fateful Llull's foul, when Vincent Poirier pushed Punter, fouled out of the game, and aggressively yelled toward referees.

Guerschon Yabusele's judo move on Dante Exum was a peak of all the excessive aggression.

During several games over the last seasons, Real players have exhibited exaggerated frustration when the team is behind on the scoreboard.

This behavior has included arguing with referees, unpleasant interactions with fans, and, as the previous EuroLeague game illustrated, engaging in physical altercations with opposing players.

For instance, Llull flashed the middle finger to Barca fans during El Clasico at the end of 2021. Like this time, the veteran guard then issued a public apology.

Yabusele, whose actions resulted in Exum's injury, has a history of unnecessary behavior. The French NT member went face-to-face with the referee Emilio Perez Pizarro in last season'sGame 2 of the ACB Finals.

2-pointers this season

58%20,6Points made:20,6Accuracy:57,7%Place in standings:5Record max:31Record min:13Most made 2FGs:Walter TavaresTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Another emotional outburst occurred during the Spanish league game vs. Baskonia when Yabusele was holding his crotch throughout the entire verbal altercation with a crowd.

Credit Screenshot

Real victories can sometimes have a negative aftertaste, too. Fabien Causeur made a 'cutting the throat' gesture after sinking a dagger in the decisive game of the 2022 ACB Finals.

The question remains: why is this happening?

One possible explanation is Real feel the pressure of their high expectations. As the most successful team in European basketball history, there is always a great deal of pressure to perform at a high level. When things don't go as planned, it can be difficult to keep emotions in check.

Another factor might be the team's lack of equal substitution in certain positions (Walter Tavares case). Madrid has suffered injuries to key players this season, and their bench has not always been able to step up and fill the void. This can lead to a sense of desperation when the squad is losing.

Real have the talent and resources to be the best team in Europe, but they need to channel their competitive spirit in a positive way.

Los Blancos have a proud tradition of excellence, and it is up to the players, coaches, management, and fans to uphold this tradition.

Excessive displays of emotion can not only detract from the beauty of the game but can also create an unsafe and hostile environment for everyone involved, including fans, officials, and players.

Role modeling is another aspect to consider. Basketball is a sport that is beloved by people all over the world, and players have a unique platform to inspire and motivate others, especially the young generation.

When players engage in aggressive, disrespectful, or unsportsmanlike conduct, it sends a message that this type of behavior is acceptable, which can have negative consequences both on and off the court.

As many well-known players said after the brawl at WiZink Center, there is a need to win and lose with class.

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