SPORTS

AEK awarded video victory

The sports judge for the basketball league (ESAKE) decided yesterday to cancel the result of the league game between AEK and Panionios, which the visitors had won, and award the win to AEK, citing a wrong call by the referee. On October 26, Panionios had beaten AEK 85-87 in overtime, with the 40 minutes ending at 73-73. However television replays showed that the foul committed on Panionios’s Yiannis Kalambokis was clearly after the buzzer had sounded, signaling the end of the 40 minutes. AEK subsequently asked to have the game awarded to it and yesterday the court decision went in its favor, giving AEK the win with a 73-71 score. Panionios responded with anger, branding unprecedented the decision and suggesting it will take the case to the highest sport disputes tribunal ASEAD. «This is the first time that a decision is made on the basis of the game’s video and based on the official documents of the game,» officials of the Nea Smyrni club stated yesterday. There are fears that the decision sets a dangerous precedent, as many clubs will now start contesting referee decisions on the basis of the match’s video. AEK had some more good news this week, as it advanced to the final eight of the Greek Cup beating Ilisiakos 55-68 at Zografou, to set up a quarterfinal clash with Olympiakos away. In the other Cup match played on Wednesday, Olympia Larissas overcame A2 side Olympiada Patras 57-72 in Patras and will play Maroussi. The other quarterfinals pit Panathinaikos against Panellinios and Aris against Panionios. The latter match will be played in Kavala, as Aris carries a penalty from last year.

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