Veteran French guard Evan Fournier has been fined €30,000 by the Greek basketball federation following an incident during the Greek League Finals this weekend. The penalty stems from an inappropriate gesture Fournier made toward opposing fans in the heat of the championship series, an action that quickly went viral online.
Controversial Moment Caught on Camera
The moment in question took place during Game 2 of the Greek League Finals between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, where Fournier is suiting up for Panathinaikos after a late-season European signing. As the tension escalated late in the game, Fournier turned to a hostile section of the crowd and made a hand gesture that drew immediate attention from broadcasters, fans, and league officials alike.
Here’s a video of the gesture, originally shared by Eurohoops on X (formerly Twitter):
Fournier ejected from the game after this gesture towards the fans of Panathinaikos pic.twitter.com/NwjN2buLgf
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) June 6, 2025
League Takes Swift Disciplinary Action
The Greek Basketball League didn’t wait long to respond. In a statement released early Sunday, the league announced the €30,000 fine, calling Fournier’s gesture “unsportsmanlike conduct inconsistent with the spirit of the Finals.”
“We understand that tensions are high during championship play,” the statement read, “but all players are expected to act with professionalism and respect toward the crowd, the opposing team, and the sport.”
The league’s decision comes as part of a broader crackdown on emotional outbursts and poor conduct, which officials say sets a negative example for fans and younger players watching the high-stakes series.
Fournier Responds to the Incident
Fournier has yet to issue a formal apology, but sources close to the player suggest that he may address the incident publicly before Game 3. Panathinaikos has not commented beyond saying it respects the league’s decision and is focused on preparing for the next matchup.
It remains unclear whether Fournier’s gesture was in response to specific provocation from fans or part of the intensity that often defines these cross-town showdowns in Greece. Still, the visual made its way across social media almost instantly, sparking debate about the lines between passion and professionalism.
Heat of the Finals: Emotions Running High
The Greek League Finals have a long history of intense rivalry, particularly between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. This year’s series has lived up to that reputation, with sold-out arenas, deafening crowds, and players feeding off the energy—sometimes to a fault.
Fournier, who joined Panathinaikos after his stint in the NBA, has been a pivotal player in the team’s playoff run. Known for his scoring and fiery demeanor, he has become a fan favorite in Athens—but this incident may slightly tarnish that image, at least in the eyes of league officials and rival supporters.
What This Means Going Forward
While Fournier won’t face a suspension for the gesture, the fine could act as a deterrent for similar actions in future games. Panathinaikos, currently battling Olympiacos in a best-of-five series, will need Fournier’s full focus and composure moving forward if they hope to secure the Greek League title.
With the series tied 1-1, all eyes now shift to Game 3—and whether Fournier will be able to silence the crowd with his play rather than his hands.
Final Thoughts
Evan Fournier’s fiery nature has always been a part of what makes him such a competitive player. But in a high-pressure atmosphere like the Greek League Finals, emotions can boil over. The €30,000 fine serves as a warning that even the most passionate players must keep their cool under the spotlight of playoff basketball. Fans will be watching closely to see how he responds—not just in words, but with his performance on the court.
