ODKE: “We support the Greek referees”

In detail, the announcement:

“On the occasion of the latest publications in the printed and online press against the Greek Basketball Referees and, bearing in mind the publications of last year’s play offs, for which the ODKE acted accordingly, informing the competent authorities, we declare today our undivided support for our referees and the trust we have in them.

If someone has at his disposal anything reprehensible and punishable, he can and should, in turn, turn to the competent authorities and not go to the press, targeting and intimidating the Greek referee.

The Greek referee cannot become the scapegoat of the Greek league. He is the last wheel on the wagon in whatever issues a league has. The competent authorities, judicial, prosecutorial, ESAKE as the organizing authority, the ethics committee, are invited to take into account all these statements and take the necessary actions.

In other European competitions, we find that even players are fined for their statements against the referee whether they are right or wrong. What is happening in our country?

Of course, our referees do not claim infallibility, but are judged in each match by the special referee observers, whose observations are sent to the relevant bodies.

Let’s all help preserve a spectacular championship that has not yet reached its midpoint.

Let’s applaud the real stars, the athletes and their teams, without christening others as stars outside the four lines with impressive moves unless there is evidence.

If there is no evidence, then we risk normalizing broadcasting, to the delight of a particular audience.”