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.
Moderate penalties
The Euroleague, which had undertaken to announce its decision within 24 hours, was rather lenient:
– Gershon Yabusele: 5 suspension matches
– Kevin Punter: 2 suspension matches
– Gabriel Deck and Matthias Lessort: 1 match suspension.
Not suspended, Sergio Llull had taken full responsibility for the fight: “What happened last night should never happen on a basketball court. I take responsibility for making that big mistake that triggered the disaster that followed. My apologies to all basketball fans.”
As for Yabusele, he apologized on his Instagram account: “I deeply regret my behavior during the meeting last night. Basketball has always been for me the field of expression of sportsmanship and respect. I sincerely apologize to Partizan Belgrade, a club with which we have always had an excellent relationship, to Dante Exum and his family, but also to my teammates, my club and all fans of this sport. »
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. Partizan lead 2-0, and need a win to advance to the Final Four.
“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”.
