Zeljko Obradovic comments on Lessort's suspension, addresses fans / News - Basketnews.com

Obradovic said that there's nothing other to do than just fight without Lessort in the ABA League. Looking at the upcoming schedule, the coach wanted to see maximum concentration from his players. In the end, Zeljko addressed the fans, once again asking them to not throw any things onto the court.

Credit: SC Derby/Filip Roganovic Credit SC Derby/Filip Roganovic

Mathias Lessort was suspended by the ABA League for his actions against Filip Petrusev during March 13th derby between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade / Schedule

Anadolu Efes Istanbul Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade84-97 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Olympiacos PiraeusFri19:00

For the first time since the news broke out, Partizan's head coach Zeljko Obradovic offered his take on the situation.

"That's how it was decided. There is not much to talk about. The decision was made by a person who is competent to do so. It is up to us to play those three games to the best of our ability without a player who is important for our game," the legendary specialist told on Partizan TV. "This is an opportunity for all the other players to understand how difficult these games will be and how important the contribution of each of them will be to win those games."

With just 5 games left in the EuroLeague, Partizan face one of the most difficult remaining schedules in the tournament, with games against four top teams - Olympiacos Piraeus, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and AS Monaco - still to come, all of them played in consecutive weeks.

After the four battles, Partizan will finish the EuroLeague regular season with a home game against Panathinaikos Athens.

"I don't think Panathinaikos will be any easier either," Obradovic said. "This calls for maximum caution, regardless of the fact that we have played a lot of good games lately."

Obradovic has been a vocal critic of fan conflicts during derbies, voicing his opinion about the matter multiple times throughout the season.

This time, he once again talked about the atmosphere in the Stark Arena but asked the fans to remain within the boundaries.

"Partizan fans are special because they really understand basketball. They should understand that respect for the opponent, for all the opposing players, for all the people who enter the hall, as well as for the opposing fans is one of the most important things," he said.

2-pointers this season

56%21,0Points made:21,0Accuracy:56,4%Place in standings:5Record max:29Record min:13Most made 2FGs:Mathias LessortTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"Every spectator who enters our hall should feel comfortable. It's something that's more beautiful than anything. I'd like that picture to always stay at Partizan's matches," Obradovic continued. "Don't throw any objects. I understand the fans' passion, [I understand] that there are situations where people react, but I beg them not to do it again. No throwing of any objects, no insults to anyone, and, of course, maximum respect for every person who enters the hall."

Partizan currently lead the EuroLeague in attendance. On average, 17,012 fans attend the game in the Stark Arena.

The biggest number of fans came in during the home game against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on February 23rd, when 19,661 spectators watched the clash.

The lowest amount of fans that came in this EuroLeague season was during the game vs Anadolu Efes Istanbul on December 16th when 13,779 fans visited the venue, which is still more fans than 10 other EuroLeague arenas can possibly fit.

"Loving a winning team is easy, suffering with a losing team is not easy," Obradovic reflected on the club's struggles early in the season. "Supporting a losing team is the right thing to do. I think that this makes Partizan a truly unique club in Europe."

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