France’s 103-95 win over Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025 was overshadowed by an ugly incident off the court, as French guard Sylvain Francisco became the target of racist abuse on social media. Nicolas Batum , one of the most respected voices in French basketball, quickly came to his defense and called out fans for crossing a line that has no place in sports.

The controversy erupted in the final seconds when Francisco, after shaking Luka Doncic ’s hand, drove to the rim for an uncontested layup that extended France’s margin of victory from nine to 11 points. Because point differential matters in EuroBasket, the play had strategic value. However, many Slovenian fans viewed it as disrespectful and flooded social media with vitriol, including racial slurs.

“Some of y’all are sick even

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