EuroLeague: Defensive foul call on Westermann incorrect

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has released a report on the referee’s call in Friday's game between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Valencia Basket.

It said during his two-point field goal attempt in overtime with 8.0 left on the clock, Valencia Basket guard Jordan Loyd made illegal contact with Fenerbahce guard Leo Westermann.

The referees made an incorrect decision by calling a defensive foul on Westermann and Loyd should have been cited for an offensive foul, according to the EuroLeague.

''In overtime with 11.0 left on the game clock, Jordan Loyd of Valencia Basket caught a live ball on the playing court. He dribbled towards the basket and with 8.0 left on the game clock attempted a two-point field goal. Whilst in the act of shooting, Jordan Loyd made illegal contact with Leo Westermann of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, as Leo Westermann had previously established a legal guarding position,” the EuroLeague said in a statement Saturday.

“The contact occurred prior to Jordan Loyd releasing the ball for the two-point field goal attempt. The defensive foul call on Leo Westermann was an incorrect call, which should have been called an offensive foul on Jordan Loyd, resulting in the cancellation of the two-point field goal and possession for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul,” it added.

Fenerbahce Beko were defeated by Valencia Basket 98-100 at home in the Round 16 game.

It marked the second incorrect call announcement by EuroLeague’s management for the referee’s decision in a game involving Fenerbahce Beko this season.

The organization previously announced an incorrect call in a game between Fenerbahce Beko and Panathinaikos OPAP Athens on Dec. 17.

The EuroLeague said in its report that Fenerbahce Beko player Nando De Colo should have been awarded three free throws in the final seconds of the match.

The Istanbul club lost to Panathinaikos OPAP Athens 81-78 at home in the Round 14 game.