Fenerbahçe coach Obradovic asks fans to show hospitality to Greek fans

ISTANBUL

Fenerbahçe coach Zeljko Obradovic has called on the club fans to show hospitality to Olympiacos fans in Istanbul ahead of May 21’s clash between the two teams for the Turkish Airlines Euroleague trophy.

"I really want to say something that I believe it is very important,” the Serbian coach said at a press conference on May 20, one day after six Olympiacos fans suffered injuries, including one with stab wounds, during a brawl between Olympiacos fans and locals on Istanbul’s touristic İstiklal Avenue.

“The Final Four is in Istanbul and I know we will have a lot of fans in the arena. I ask them to obviously help the team, but to be really correct with Olympiacos and especially its fans, not only tomorrow at the arena, but today, everywhere in the streets,” said Obradovic.

“[I ask them] to give hospitality for people from Greece, everything is about a basketball game. I believe this is very important and I want to ask Fenerbahçe fans to respect Olympiacos and its fans."

Fenerbahçe beat Real Madrid and Olympiacos defeated CSKA Moscow in the semifinals at Istanbul’s Sinan Erdem Dome on May 19. The two sides will clash for the trophy at 9 p.m. on May 21.