Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Two-time NBA All-Star and South Sudan basketball president Luol Deng voiced strong dissatisfaction with the officiating at the Olympic men’s basketball tournament.
Deng’s South Sudanese team was eliminated Saturday in the group stage after a 96-85 loss to Serbia at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve d’Ascq, France.
Serbia shot 31 free throws compared to just 6 for South Sudan, and the Serbs were called for seven fewer fouls.
Deng criticized what he perceives as a “stigma” against African players and lamented the lack of African referees in the tournament.
“It’s a narrative and a stigma that African players are aggressive … I don’t know why there are no African referees in the Olympics. It’s 2024. If these referees aren’t familiar with our game, with our style, then what is the world championship or the Olympics? Is it just a European basketball style and we’re not allowed to be aggressive?”