SCG - Sakota dismissive of Partizan triumph

BELGRADE (Superleague) - Red Star coach Dragan Sakota believes Superleague officials have a lot to answer for after his side slipped to a 3-0 series defeat to city rivals Partizan Belgrade in the Serbo-Montenegrin championship finals.

The end of the season proved to be a damp squib, with Partizan - who had already won Game One - awarded a 20-0 victory in Game Two after Red Star fans clashed with police, causing play to be stopped. League officials ordered the third contest to be played behind closed doors at the Pionir Hall and Partizan claimed an 89-73 triumph to clinch their fifth successive title.

Sakota, who is also coach of the Serbia & Montenegro national team, said: "We were handicapped because we have had to play without supporters (in the third game).

"For the first time in my career, a club I am coach of has been punished in such a manner for something that happened when we were visitors."

"It is ridiculous to play in competition where winner is known at the beginning," Sakota added. "Luckily, there are some other competitions (regional Adriatic League) which can allow us normal qualification for European Cups. Our opponent in the finals won the title, but in all other competitions didn't win anything. That says everything."

Game Three saw the league's most valuable player, Dejan Milojevic, have 25 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals for Partizan. Milojevic could suit up for Sakota this summer at the FIBA World Championship in Japan. Partizan have now clinched 13 league titles and 25 trophies overall.

Sakota, however, had nothing but praise for his team's displays throughout the season. Red Star did not finish the season empty-handed as they captured the domestic cup.

"I must congratulate my players for their performances in all competitions," he said. "We have been playing at our maximum."

By PA Sport