Greek Basketball Team Responds to Violence Against Israelis with Strong Condemnation of Fans

Greece informed Israel's Culture and Sports Minister Zohar that the Greek authorities are investigating the incident as being anti-Semitic.

The AEK Athens Basketball Club condemned on Thursday the riot carried out by its fans during Wednesday night's game against Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Club in the quarterfinals of the FIBA Champions League.

The game was stopped twice during the first half after Greek fans threw stones and shot fireworks into the stands where the Israeli fans were standing. FIBA considered ending the game at halftime but finally chose to resume after warning all fans would be required to leave should further incidents occur.

"The horror of these hooligans, who caused widespread destruction in our home stadium, exceeded even the sickest imagination this time! These hooligans are not part of the AEK Athens fans' family … AEK fans condemned yesterday the few who entered the stadium to cause damage to our team," the statement read.

"For several years we have proven that there is no antisemitism in the club whatsoever and that it respects freedom and human rights," the statement added. The club also called Wednesday's rioters "provocateurs who hurt us, who clearly do not want the AEK basketball team to succeed. They are trying to weaken and discredit its name in every way."