Greece Protests Turkey’s ‘No Mercy’ Post After EuroBasket Match

ISTANBUL, Turkey – The Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) removed a social media post on September 12, 2025, after protests from the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK). The post celebrated Turkey’s EuroBasket semifinal victory over Greece with an image of Turkish player Cedi Osman dunking beside a photo of Giannis Antetokounmpo praying, captioned “No Mercy.”

The EOK expressed outrage over the post, categorizing it as provocative and inflammatory. In response to the complaint, the TBF apologized and confirmed the removal of the post. They claimed the post was published without proper knowledge or approval from their officials.

Following Turkey’s victory, tensions peaked as EOK lodged its official protest with FIBA, basketball’s global governing body. Greek officials insisted that official channels should not provoke rival fan bases, especially during significant competitions.

The controversy did not end there. Turkish player Alperen Sengun also faced backlash for a celebratory message that he posted after the match. His comment about needing “a bit of sea air” was seen by many Greeks as an offensive reference to historical tensions.

The EOK’s protest highlights the careful scrutiny national federations must navigate on social media during high-profile events. Even after the removal of the contentious post, discussions about respect and tone in victory continued among fans in both nations.

The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly social media interactions can escalate in the world of sports, especially when mixed with national pride and history. As Turkey prepares for its upcoming final against Germany, Greece’s immediate focus remains on regrouping after their semifinal loss.