15min already wrote about the storm caused on social networks by the move of the “Tauragė” club acquiring 31-year-old European champion Matic Rebec, who just a year ago, during the fourth year of the large-scale Russian war against Ukraine, played for the Lower Nizhny Novgorod “Nizhny Novgorod” team.
Read more A simple trick will free up 6 GB of space on your smartphone: works on Android and iPhone
“I am uncomfortable hearing that we are a ‘vatnik’ club,” said Aivaras Skarbalius, head of the “Tauragė” club, to 15min on Tuesday afternoon.
“Statement from the “Tauragė” club:
“Seeing the reaction to the signed contract with the Slovenian defender, we understand that in making this decision we did not sufficiently appreciate how sensitive this topic is in Lithuania and how important consistent support for Ukraine is – even in such details. We admit that in this case we made a mistake, so we are terminating the contract with the player.
Read more A new gymnasium begins to rise in Vilnius: a capsule for future generations has been buried
The club was aware of Matic Rebec’s two-month stint with the “Nizhny Novgorod” team. In communication with the club, the defender explained that at that time he did not fully evaluate his choice and made the decision only from the perspective of his professional basketball career. The player also emphasized that this short stage in his long career might have caused doubts in Lithuania, but he does not support war or aggression and respects the club’s position and values, clearly supporting Ukraine and people affected by the war.
The club takes responsibility for the decision made, regrets the negative emotions caused by it, and apologizes to everyone who was disappointed or hurt by the news of this contract.”
Read more Were you born this month? Incredible success awaits you this fall
