Greek fans burn Israeli flag at basketball game against Israeli team

·

An Israeli flag was set on fire during a Basketball Champions League game between a Greek team, AEK, and an Israeli team, Hapoel Jerusalem, on Wednesday, according to Ynet.

AEK fans in Athens, also waved Palestinian and Hezbollah flags during the game and shone lasers in the eyes of Israeli fans, the report states.

According to the report, they also held up pictures of Marwan Barghouti who Israeli authorities have deemed a terrorist for his involvement as a leader of the First and Second Intifadas.

Hapoel fans who were at the game, described the conduct of the Athens supporters as horrifying.

“It hurts seeing your country’s flag being burned in front of your very eyes, and even though the way they acted was horrifying, I felt proud to have 400 Israeli fans with me who cheered and rooted like there were thousands of us,” said a witness.

Hapoel Jerusalem also released a statement addressing the incident.

“We’ve notified the BCL and there is no place for these types of acts at a sport arena. We are working with FIBA authorities on this matter. We want to acknowledge the 400 fans who accompanied the team to the game.”

According to the report, the Basketball Champions League said it will launch disciplinary proceedings against AEK Athens regarding the incident.

Another Hapoel Jerusalem fan who was present at the game said Greek police officers and security were protecting the Israeli fans. Despite the violations there was no physical confrontation.

Other Hapoel supporters said the game’s atmosphere was extremely hostile.

“It’s a disgrace to basketball, there’s no place for such behaviour, it was shameful seeing our flag burned, they should be mortified with themselves,” said an Israeli fan.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Teen star Sam Konstas earns first Cricket Australia contract

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old opener from New South Wales, has been awarded his first Cricket Australia contract for the 2025–26 season.

Brisbane taverna owner John Theoharis disqualified from driving after licence breach

John Theoharis, co-owner of Brisbane’s popular Lefkas Taverna, has been fined $300 and disqualified from driving for three months.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in talks to buy the Sydney Kings

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is in talks to buy a stake in the Sydney Kings — with plans to rename the team the ‘Spartan Kings.’

Paros submerged, Syros pelted by hail as storms sweep the Cyclades

Severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on Monday, March 31 with Paros and Syros among the hardest hit.

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

You May Also Like

Cameron Dimopoulos becomes first-time finalist in Australia’s Archibald Prize

Cameron Dimopoulos has recently been named as a finalist for one of Australia's most prestigious art awards - the Archibald Prize.

Bill Papastergiadis OAM joins Premier Allan to advocate for social cohesion in Victoria

Bill Papastergiadis joins Premier Allan to support stronger anti-vilification laws and promote social cohesion in Victoria. Read more.

Three-year-old girl pulled alive from rubble days after deadly Aegean earthquake

A wounded three-year-old girl was rescued on Monday, days after a powerful magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit Turkey’s Aegean coast.