Veteran French guard Evan Fournier has been fined €30,000 by the Greek basketball federation following an incident throughout the Greek League Finals this weekend. The penalty stems from an inappropriate gesture Fournier made towards opposing followers within the warmth of the championship sequence, an motion that rapidly went viral on-line.
Controversial Second Caught on Digicam
The second in query happened throughout Sport 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 strain escalated late within the sport, Fournier turned to a hostile part of the gang and made a hand gesture that drew fast 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 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 fantastic, 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 gang, the opposing group, and the game.”
The league’s determination comes as a part of a broader crackdown on emotional outbursts and poor conduct, which officers say units a unfavourable instance for followers and youthful gamers watching the high-stakes sequence.
Fournier Responds to the Incident
Fournier has but to subject a proper apology, however sources near the participant recommend that he might tackle the incident publicly earlier than Sport 3. Panathinaikos has not commented past saying it respects the league’s determination and is concentrated on making 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 approach throughout social media nearly immediately, sparking debate in regards to the traces between ardour and professionalism.
Warmth of the Finals: Feelings Working Excessive
The Greek League Finals have an extended historical past of intense rivalry, significantly between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. This yr’s sequence has lived as much as that fame, with sold-out arenas, deafening crowds, and gamers feeding off the power—generally to a fault.
Fournier, who joined Panathinaikos after his stint within the NBA, has been a pivotal participant within the group’s playoff run. Identified for his scoring and fiery demeanor, he has turn into a fan favourite in Athens—however this incident might barely tarnish that picture, a minimum of within the eyes of league officers and rival supporters.
What This Means Going Ahead
Whereas Fournier received’t face a suspension for the gesture, the fantastic may act as a deterrent for related actions in future video games. Panathinaikos, presently battling Olympiacos in a best-of-five sequence, will want Fournier’s full focus and composure shifting ahead in the event that they hope to safe the Greek League title.
With the sequence tied 1-1, all eyes now shift to Sport 3—and whether or not Fournier will have the ability to silence the gang along with his play reasonably than his fingers.
Remaining 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 ambiance just like the Greek League Finals, feelings can boil over. The €30,000 fantastic serves as a warning that even essentially the most passionate gamers should preserve their cool underneath the highlight of playoff basketball. Followers will probably be watching carefully to see how he responds—not simply in phrases, however along with his efficiency on the court docket.