Due to heavy rain and lack of air conditioning, the court got very slippery, causing multiple slips and falls that resulted in multiple injuries. The players of both teams passed the ball throughout the remaining five minutes of the game without taking a shot.
The FIBA U18 European Championships did not start on a good note. On the contrary, two teams staged a protest against dangerous playing conditions in one of the halls.
Poland U18 / Schedule
Poland U18
Turkey U18
Germany U18
Croatia U18Group B's matchup between Poland and Turkey featured an unusual ending to the game. With 5 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, both teams decided to take a stand against the conditions of Mika Antic Sports Hall in Nis, Serbia.
Due to strong rain and lack of air conditioning, the court got very slippery, ESPN's Jonathan Givony notes. It caused multiple slips and falls that resulted in minor or even serious injuries.
The last straw was when Poland's Jakub Szumert violently fell during the fast break. The player required medical attention from the on-site professionals.
After the incident, both teams decided to boycott the game and just passed the ball throughout the remaining five minutes without even thinking of taking a shot.
Despite the protest, the next game in the same venue between Sweden and France proceeded as scheduled.
