Basketball Euroleague
After a mass brawl: Real star Llull apologizes
The Europa League game between Real Madrid and Partizan Belgrade has been canceled. photo
© Andreas Gora/dpa
The mass brawl at the Euroleague game between Real Madrid and Partizan Belgrade shocked the basketball world. Now one of those involved speaks out and takes responsibility.
Spanish basketball star Sergio Llull has apologized after the mass brawl at the Euroleague match between Real Madrid and Partizan Belgrade.
“What happened last night should never happen on a basketball court,” the 35-year-old Real Madrid captain tweeted. “I take responsibility for that hard foul that caused the ensuing disaster. My apologies to all basketball fans.”
After a hard foul by Llull 100 seconds before the end, professionals from both teams clashed on the floor and there were blows. Madrid’s Guerschon Yabusele threw his opponent Dante Exum to the ground, professionals of the teams had to be held back by outsiders.
The game was stopped when Partizan was 95-80 and scored for the guests because neither team had the two players needed to continue. The referees awarded disqualifying fouls against more than 20 players. Partizan leads 2-0 in the quarterfinal series. The team that wins three games first advances.
The incidents during the game were reported to the competent disciplinary judge. He should now make a decision within 24 hours. The Euroleague sharply condemned the events in a statement. They violated the values of respect that the league, clubs, and basketball stand for.