‘Some are dangerous and I don’t think anyone will be punished, they might as well get congratulated’

AEK Betsson’s game with Prometheus unfolded in an eventful manner and Dragan Sakota, who was sent off for the match, made statements two days after the match where he stood on the refereeing side.

We remind you that the Union issued a statement yesterday (17/11), stressing that the time has come for arbitration to become professional and to hire a foreign referee.

Dragan Sakota’s statement in detail:

“After the first seven games of the Championship, upon my return to Greece, I must state that I have seen referees who do their job well, or make human mistakes.

We coaches do this work every day in training. In other words, we whistle in an attempt to adapt our players, and all of us, to the rules of the game. I don’t think referees have the opportunity to do so much training and blow the whistle every day. We know when it’s a foul and when it’s not. As we also know when referees are not on a good day and make human errors and when they are not. Human errors are part of our job. We all make such human mistakes. Some referees also make such mistakes.

When I came back to Greece they told me that there is a “war” against AEK.

I have been in this area for 52 years as a coach, while I came to Greece 34 years ago, working in many clubs, with successes and titles as you know, helping many children to improve in basketball. In a few words, I want to say that I have contributed to Greek basketball. I cannot understand this disrespect to my person.

I declare responsibly, that some are dangerous. And I don’t think anyone will be punished. They might even get compliments!

We are concerned because we are trying to explain to our fans what they should do. How can our fans cope with what they see happening against our team for a few years? And how can we avoid those who challenge both our team and our world and finally have a normal Championship? I have the impression that from now on, things will not be as they should be, because in our minds there will always be the fact that some people will treat us with different criteria. The day before yesterday, it was human for someone not to stand it, and he had to react in every way.

We are a great Association, with History, followed by millions of loyal fans. And when we are guilty and when we make mistakes, we admit that we did something wrong. But what can I say about yesterday? This is not done in any other stadium in Europe. So many years, as a coach, in matches of great importance that decided titles and nothing like that happened. I make my cross during the match, because I believe in God, and I ask myself “is what I see true, or am I wrong?” In other words, for such a move should I accept a technical penalty and then be expelled?

Finally, I apologize to all those who tried to explain to me when I returned to AEK, that there is a “war” against it and I did not believe them. Now, I believe them! The day before yesterday, there was a provocation. Let’s not hide. I was preparing myself before the match not to say anything whatever I see whistled or not whistled. But I had to protect the children. My players. Are you saying I have something to prove? What can I prove? If there is no respect in my person after what I have offered to Greece but also to the whole of Europe, what can I say? It’s sad to live in such times.”