Ataman: "We had to face three referees as well"

Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman strongly criticized the refereeing after the defeat by Olympiacos. In the press conference, Ataman stated: "Besides the Olympiacos players, we had to face three referees who didn't let us play."

Ataman also referred to the issue of Olympiacos' players obtaining Greek citizenship, specifically Vezenkov, Walkup, and Dorsey, arguing that it creates unequal conditions. "Can Dorsey and Walkup play together in the National team? No, because they are two naturalized players, but they play in Greece. The only league that does that," he noted.

He added: "Vezenkov plays for the Bulgarian National team. Plus six foreigners, plus three referees. It's very difficult. Very difficult for us to win." Ataman expressed his pride for his players, emphasizing that they tried despite the adverse conditions.