Nikola Jokic reacts to violent outcome of Partizan and Red Star derby / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Jokic wants a complete rebuild in granting safety in Belgrade derby games between Partizan and Red Star.

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Despite his busy schedule during the NBA All-Star weekend, Nikola Jokic took some time to catch the Belgrad derby in the Serbian Cup semifinal between Partizan and Red Star.

Nikola Jokic

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As he told BasketNews in Salt Lake City,he only managed to witness the final quarter of the Eternal derby, which he wasn't particularly thrilled with.

Various objects were thrown onto the court as the referees left the court at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

They were back after approximately 25 minutes. Heavily armed police appeared near the court to ensure the safety of the players, staff members, and officials.

"To be honest, it's been part of our culture for so long that it is what it is. I think it's really sad that they're stopping the games, and I think we need to start rebuilding from the ground," Jokic shared his reaction with BasketNews.

"And that's how you're going to make it to be recognized as the big league in Europe. But right now, there's so much stuff that it's very hard, very hard," he shook his head.

As Jokic spoke, a media member accidentally knocked down a fence that separated the journalists from the players, prompting the basketball star to joke: "Come on guys, come on! Do you see? Serbia. You see?"

Zeljko Obradovic was very harsh after the semifinal loss that was overshadowed by fans' behavior.

"I have nothing to add. My position has been known since day one, why some other people don't come forward and don't want to talk about it, I don't know," Zeljko started off the post-game presser.

"I will always respond if someone is called names. I have been and will be against it. I don't think it's a problem that can be solved by one coach or players. The pen is in your hands, do you write about it?"

"Why do we have problems when the competition is in our country and not in the EuroLeague? We always behave the same, it is solved on other levels, [and] neither I nor the players, nor anyone else can solve it. You have to write about who is heating up the atmosphere. You know that very well," Obradovic appealed to the journalists in the press conference.

"Don't pretend like we're whistling and don't know what we're talking about. It is very well known."

Zeljko Obradovic answers why Partizan deserves a permanent EuroLeague spot Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.