Refereeing great Nikos Pitsilkas' shop gets blown up / News - Basketnews.com

Former famous Greek referee Nikos Pitsilkas' shop in Larissa was blown up at around 5 in the morning when two explosive devices were set off, causing tens of thousands of euros of damages.

Credit: LarissaPress, SPORT24.gr Credit LarissaPress, SPORT24.gr

Nikos Pitsilkas is known as one of the refereeing greats. He's been a part of multiple international finals, officiating in the biggest moments of basketball history. Today, his property got violently attacked, causing tens of thousands of euros of damage.

At around 5 in the morning, Pitslikas' shop, which is named after his wife, was blown up in the Philippousis district of the city of Larissa, Greece.

Several people placed gas canisters outside the store and set off an explosion, early information reveals. The local fire department, police, and the anti-terrorism team arrived at the scene following the incident. An investigation has begun to identify the criminals.

Talking with LarissaPress, Pitsilkas said that two explosives were detonated.

"I was notified by the police about some explosions that took place in my shop this morning around 5:15. From what I have been informed, two explosive devices were inserted into both entrances of the store," the refereeing great told. "There is great destruction in the store. The police came and did what they had to do. I filed a lawsuit against strangers and from then on the police and justice will take over."

Nikos Pitsilkas is one of the European refereeing greats. He officiated in more than 900 domestic and international matches until his retirement in 2009. He's refereed in 26 finals, among them - two EuroBasket finals, a World Cup final, and a Women's Olympic Games final in 2000).

Pitsilkas is widely known for a controversial non-call in the 2002 World Cup final between Argentina and FR Yugoslavia when Hugo Sconochini was driving to the basket with the score tied and just a couple of seconds left in regulation. The guard was seemingly pushed by Marko Jaric in mid-air but no foul was called, causing a huge protest from the Argentinian players and staff, a part that FIBA cut out from the official game replay. FR Yugoslavia ended up winning after overtime.

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