MZT Skopje started their FIBA Europe Cup campaign with a defeat, losing 59:64 to Greek side Iraklis at the Jane Sandanski Sports Center. The match also took on a political dimension due to a banner displayed in the stands by MZT’s fan group, Family Aerodrom.
The banner read “We will defend your sacred name before the world” and featured a map of North Macedonia including the Aegean and Pirin regions. Iraklis reacted immediately and reported the incident to the match delegate, Bulgarian Eleonora Rangelova.
“Even before the start of the match, Iraklis had officially informed Bulgarian commissioner Eleonora Rangelova about the banner with nationalist content displayed by home fans in one of the central stands. We requested that it be removed. The Greek Embassy in Skopje was also informed of the case”, the club announced, according to Greek media reports.