Sad scene in Madrid on Thursday evening where the players of Game 2 of the Euroleague quarter-final between Real Madrid and Partizan Belgrade lost their temper. While Partizan were leading 95-80 with less than two minutes remaining, it was Sergio Llull’s big foul on Kevin Punter that set things on fire.
A big fight ensued during which we saw the Madrid player Guerschon Yabusele do an MMA hold on Dante Exum by throwing him violently to the ground. The Australian is suffering from a ruptured ligament in his foot, according to Partizan doctor Moma Jakovljevic, and his upper lip was also affected.
Heavy penalties incurred
The Euroleague, which is committed to announcing its decision within 24 hours, could pronounce very firm sanctions, in particular with regard to the French international, passed by the Boston Celtics from 2017 to 2019. We are talking about a suspension of several years!
“The Euroleague strongly condemns the events that took place at the end of the game. Such events do not represent the values of respect that the league and its clubs promote and that basketball embodies.”the Euroleague ruled via a statement.
Fear of an escalation in Serbia
The atmosphere is likely to be very hot for Game 3 in Belgrade on Tuesday, in this best-of-five series.
“The matter is in the hands of the officials and the EuroLeague”, said Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovicformer coach of Real. “I think what happened is not good for the image of basketball, nor for that of Real Madrid, nor for that of Partizan. This should never happen. When we go to Belgrade tomorrow, I will talk about this subject. I will try to calm everyone down so that we receive Real Madrid as the people here have received us. That they support our team, yes, but that they don’t do anything against Real Madrid”.
