Alessandro Gentile: Urania Takes a Strong Stance After the Obscene Gestures
Following the controversy that erupted in the closing moments of the game against Avellino, Urania Basket Milano has taken a stand and publicly apologized for Alessandro Gentile’s behavior. The red-and-blue club issued an official statement distancing itself from the actions of its player, who was involved in an over-the-top incident during overtime of the Serie A2 game, which Milan lost 93-85.
The former Olimpia Milano player, who scored 17 points, was ejected in overtime after protesting a referee’s call at length. He had already been called for an unsportsmanlike foul in the second quarter, and during overtime, his protests cost him a technical foul and his subsequent ejection from the court. As he left the court, Gentile reacted to the insults and jeers coming from the stands first with sarcastic applause, then by flipping off the home crowd. This gesture further fueled the tension and prompted the Milanese club to issue an official statement.
“Urania Basket Milano wishes to apologize for the behavior of one of its players during overtime of last night’s game against Avellino,” reads the club’s statement, which clearly distances itself from the player’s reaction.
“A gesture of this kind is in no way consistent with the principles and values that our club shares every day with our partners, sponsors, fans, members, and families who are part of the Urania community,” the statement continues. The club therefore reaffirms the importance of respect, fairness, sportsmanship, good manners, and a sense of responsibility, considered “the foundations of every activity, both on and off the court.”
The club also emphasizes the educational role of its athletes, who are called upon to represent not only the team but an entire sports community: “We are aware that those who wear our jersey represent the entire Rossoblu community and have a duty to set an example, especially for the many young athletes who look up to our players as role models.”
