Israeli sports minister Zohar on AEK: 'This is an anti-Semitic attack' / News - Basketnews.com

The Minister of Culture and Sports of Israel Makhlouf Zohar called AEK fans' behavior an anti-semitic attack and demanded them to be brought to justice. If Hapoel win the series, he assured the Final Four would be held in Jerusalem.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The incident between AEK Athens fans and Hapoel Jerusalem supporters where the Greeks attacked the Israelis during the Basketball Champions League (BCL) game on Wednesday has garnered international attention.

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The day after the incident, the Minister of Culture and Sports of Israel Makhlouf Zohar addressed the matter, talking with the Greek Deputy Minister of Sports Lefteris Avgenakis, and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, ONE documents.

"This is an anti-Semitic attack against Jews and a very serious case of violence - and we demand that the attackers and the group be brought to justice," he said following the events. "Action must be taken to ensure that the police prepare to prevent violence from both sides in order to ensure a safe and fair game here in Israel."

In turn, Agvenakis responded by condemning the attackers.

"The absolutely reprehensible behavior of a few, who define themselves as sports fans but have nothing to do with sports, cannot harm the excellent relations maintained by the sports families of Greece and Israel. The unacceptable incidents in the Ano Liosia [arena] do not reflect Greek society. Every manifestation of anti-Semitism is condemned wherever it manifests itself," the operative said.

If Hapoel win the third and final game of the series, Zohar said he'd do his part to host the BCL Final Four in Jerusalem.

"If the team qualifies for the Final Four, I will work together with Mayor Moshe Lion to bring the Final Four to Jerusalem and the State of Israel will host the prestigious tournament for the first time," he told.

The Israeli clublater released a statement clarifying the discussions that were had between the organizations and the refereeing crew while the league has already begun an investigationinto the matter.

AEK club itself called the violent fans the enemies of the club.

The burning of the Israeli flag:

Firecrackers being thrown at Hapoel fans:

AEK fans behaving violently:

Experience of one Israeli fan:

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