Spain coach Sergio Scariolo reacts during a Tokyo Olympics basketball game on July 26, 2021. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
TOKYO—Spain basketball coach Sergio Scariolo hit out at the Tokyo 2020 organizers after his side were made to wait almost half an hour before being allowed back into the dressing room following their 88-77 Group C victory over host Japan on Monday.
The Italian called for changes to be made, saying that making athletes wait to access recovery facilities could potentially lead to more injuries.
“There needs to be more respect shown for the players,” Scariolo told a news conference.
“It took 25 minutes from the end of the game before they could get their legs into an ice bath, and that’s something that is very dangerous and needs to be changed,” he said.
Y. Watanabe of Japan in action with Alex Abrines of Spain in a Tokyo Olympics game on July 26, 2021. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
The reason for the wait was not immediately clear.
“Their legs are tired, and they should be treated with respect; protocols have to be changed,” Scariolo said.
“Everyone’s here for one thing and that’s the players and we need to look after their health. Honestly, I’m not just annoyed for the sake of being annoyed, I repeat, it’s incredibly dangerous.”
World champions and 2016 bronze medalists Spain face Argentina on Thursday, while Japan takes on Slovenia.