Panathinaikos Owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos Fires Back at Olympiacos Player Evan Fournier

Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the controversial owner of Panathinaikos basketball club, responded sharply to criticism from Evan Fournier, a player for rival team Olympiacos. Earlier on July 12, 2026, Fournier accused Giannakopoulos of creating a negative atmosphere around the rivalry between the two clubs. In response, Giannakopoulos used strong language to condemn Fournier's behavior, specifically referencing an incident where Fournier made an obscene gesture toward Panathinaikos fans. Giannakopoulos questioned how basketball could avoid descending into chaos when players engage in such provocative acts without facing consequences. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the two prominent Greek basketball teams and their representatives. The incident was widely covered by sports media and shared on social platforms, illustrating the heated nature of the rivalry.