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 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 gang and made a hand gesture that drew quick 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 high-quality, 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 crew, and the game.”
The league’s resolution comes as a part of a broader crackdown on emotional outbursts and poor conduct, which officers say units a detrimental instance for followers and youthful gamers watching the high-stakes sequence.
Fournier Responds to the Incident
Fournier has but to problem 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 resolution and is targeted on making ready for the subsequent 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 a protracted historical past of intense rivalry, notably 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—typically to a fault.
Fournier, who joined Panathinaikos after his stint within the NBA, has been a pivotal participant within the crew’s playoff run. Recognized for his scoring and fiery demeanor, he has change 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 high-quality might 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 transferring ahead in the event that they hope to safe the Greek League title.
With the sequence tied 1-1, all eyes now shift to Recreation 3—and whether or not Fournier will have the ability to silence the gang together with his play reasonably than his arms.
Closing Ideas
Evan Fournier’s fiery nature has at all times 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 high-quality serves as a warning that even essentially the most passionate gamers should maintain their cool underneath the highlight of playoff basketball. Followers can be watching intently to see how he responds—not simply in phrases, however together with his efficiency on the court docket.
