Veteran French guard Evan Fournier has been fined €30,000 by the Greek basketball federation following an incident in the course of the Greek League Finals this weekend. The penalty stems from an inappropriate gesture Fournier made towards opposing followers within the warmth of the championship collection, an motion that shortly went viral on-line.
Controversial Second Caught on Digital camera
The second in query happened throughout Recreation 2 of the Greek League Finals between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, the place Fournier is suiting up for Panathinaikos after a late-season European signing. As the stress escalated late within the sport, Fournier turned to a hostile part of the group and made a hand gesture that drew instant consideration from broadcasters, followers, and league officers alike.
Right here’s a video of the gesture, initially shared by Eurohoops on X (previously Twitter):
Fournier ejected from the sport after this gesture in the direction of the followers of Panathinaikos pic.twitter.com/NwjN2buLgf
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) June 6, 2025
League Takes Swift Disciplinary Motion
The Greek Basketball League didn’t wait lengthy to reply. In an announcement launched early Sunday, the league introduced the €30,000 tremendous, calling Fournier’s gesture “unsportsmanlike conduct inconsistent with the spirit of the Finals.”
“We perceive that tensions are excessive throughout championship play,” the assertion learn, “however all gamers are anticipated to behave with professionalism and respect towards the group, the opposing workforce, and the game.”
The league’s choice comes as a part of a broader crackdown on emotional outbursts and poor conduct, which officers say units a damaging instance for followers and youthful gamers watching the high-stakes collection.
Fournier Responds to the Incident
Fournier has but to situation a proper apology, however sources near the participant counsel that he might handle the incident publicly earlier than Recreation 3. Panathinaikos has not commented past saying it respects the league’s choice and is concentrated on getting ready for the following matchup.
It stays unclear whether or not Fournier’s gesture was in response to particular provocation from followers or a part of the depth that usually defines these cross-town showdowns in Greece. Nonetheless, the visible made its means throughout social media virtually immediately, sparking debate in regards to the traces between ardour and professionalism.
Warmth of the Finals: Feelings Working Excessive
The Greek League Finals have a protracted historical past of intense rivalry, notably between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. This 12 months’s collection has lived as much as that status, with sold-out arenas, deafening crowds, and gamers feeding off the vitality—typically to a fault.
Fournier, who joined Panathinaikos after his stint within the NBA, has been a pivotal participant within the workforce’s playoff run. Identified for his scoring and fiery demeanor, he has develop into a fan favourite in Athens—however this incident might barely tarnish that picture, at the very least within the eyes of league officers and rival supporters.
What This Means Going Ahead
Whereas Fournier gained’t face a suspension for the gesture, the tremendous may act as a deterrent for comparable actions in future video games. Panathinaikos, at present battling Olympiacos in a best-of-five collection, will want Fournier’s full focus and composure shifting ahead in the event that they hope to safe the Greek League title.
With the collection tied 1-1, all eyes now shift to Recreation 3—and whether or not Fournier will have the ability to silence the group along with his play moderately than his arms.
Closing Ideas
Evan Fournier’s fiery nature has all the time been part of what makes him such a aggressive participant. However in a high-pressure environment just like the Greek League Finals, feelings can boil over. The €30,000 tremendous serves as a warning that even probably the most passionate gamers should maintain their cool beneath the highlight of playoff basketball. Followers will probably be watching intently to see how he responds—not simply in phrases, however along with his efficiency on the court docket.
