Pure folklore: Panathinaikos 'disinfected' their stadium after their classic rival won the Euroleague there.

The consecration of Olympiacos in the Euroleague continues to have repercussions in Greece, although for off-field reasons. Days after the red and white team lifted the European trophy, Panathinaikos, their classic rival whose stadium was used for the grand final, responded with a provocation that quickly went viral on social media.

Through their official accounts, the team from the Greek capital published images of the "cleaning" process carried out in the stands of the OAKA Indoor Hall, now renamed T-Center, where the Final Four of the European tournament took place. "The disinfection and biological cleaning process in the areas and stands of the T-Center has been completed to be ready to welcome Panathinaikos fans again", the club wrote.

The photos showed workers dressed in special chemical protection suits, masks, and spraying equipment sanitizing the green seats of the stadium. While the procedure could be interpreted as a routine cleaning after a large event, the message was read by fans and Greek media as a clear jab at Olympiacos and their supporters.

The context explains the impact of the publication. Olympiacos was crowned European champion after defeating Real Madrid 92-85 in the final held at the stadium of their eternal rival. Nearly 20,000 red and white fans filled the stands of the Athenian venue and celebrated their first continental title in 13 years there.

For Panathinaikos, the situation was particularly painful: in addition to hosting the Final Four, they didn't even qualify for the final and had to watch their lifelong rival celebrate the title in their own home.

Beyond the joy of becoming champions again, the final also left economic consequences. The Euroleague fined Olympiacos 8,000 euros due to the use of flares by their fans during the match against Real Madrid.