Real Madrid coach Sergio Scariolo has voiced his discontent regarding the officiating in the EuroLeague final, which his team lost to Olympiacos 92-85. Nearly a week after the game, Scariolo stated at a press conference that he believes the refereeing was unfair, a sentiment he feels is shared by a significant portion of the European basketball community.
“There is no doubt that we suffered an injustice, but it was impressive to see how many neutral observers within the European basketball ecosystem expressed the same opinion. I am one of them,” Scariolo remarked. “I have tried to review everything with objectivity and pragmatism. Of course, I reached the same conclusions as other observers. And I’m not talking about fans, but about players and people who understand basketball very well.”
The specific complaints appear to center on calls made in the closing moments of the game. Olympiacos reportedly benefited from two favorable foul calls in the final two minutes. Furthermore, in the dying seconds, three free throws were awarded to Facundo Campazzo, despite him seemingly initiating contact by extending his leg.
Scariolo hinted that Real Madrid might take further action in response to their negative experience.
“The injustice was received. I will not comment on how the club will handle this. I am the coach, but I cannot behave like an ostrich, burying my head in the sand and pretending I saw nothing.”
English Translation:
Real Madrid coach Sergio Scariolo believes his team experienced “an injustice” during the EuroLeague final. Speaking at a press conference, Scariolo stated that he felt the refereeing in the game against Olympiacos, which Real Madrid lost 92-85, was unfair. He noted that this sentiment is shared by many neutral observers within the European basketball community.
“Undoubtedly, we suffered an injustice. What is impressive is how the entire neutral continental basketball world has expressed itself this way,” Scariolo said. “I am part of that. I tried to review everything with objectivity and pragmatism. Of course, I reached the same conclusions as other observers. And I’m not talking about fans, but about players and people who know basketball very well.”
The contentious calls reportedly occurred in the final minutes of the game. Olympiacos received what were described as “generous” fouls in the last two minutes, and in the final seconds, Facundo Campazzo was awarded three free throws even though he appeared to draw the contact by extending his leg.
Scariolo suggested that Real Madrid might consider further steps regarding their dissatisfaction.
“The injustice was received. I will not comment on how the club will manage this. I am the coach, but I cannot behave like an ostrich, burying my head in the sand and acting as if I saw nothing.”
