Euroleague mourns death of Crvena Zvezda fan

BARCELONA - Euroleague Basketball has expressed on Saturday the deepest sympathy and condolences on the death of a Crvena Zvezda fan in Istanbul ahead of the match with host Galatasaray and condemned the violence that destroys the spirit of sporting competition.

Crvena Zvezda supporter Marko Ivkovic (25) was stabbed to death on Friday evening outside the Abdi Ipekci Arena in a fight with Galatasaray fans.

Euroleague Basketball has requested that both clubs and the Turkish authorities investigate the background of the crime, so it could evaluate any measures to be taken.

"This tragedy offends the true spirit of sports," Jordi Bertomeu, President and CEO of Euroleague Basketball, said in a statement, stressing that violence has no place in the sport and sports arenas.

"Respect between rivals dedicated to the same ideals should bring us all together," said Bertomeu.