Two days prior to the game Germany vs. Israel, I met this guy in front of the Tivoli Arena. I was carrying my big big Drum. He asked me if I passed the security with my drum. I said: „Yes, that’s not a problem, I just told the security guys: Drums and basketball belong together, there is no basketball without drums. “
Then he told me, that he has a trumpet to support his team, and he was not allowed to bring the trumpet inside the hall. I told him this is really sad, because there is nothing better than a trumpet for supporting the team. Unfortunately I do not have the talent to play trumpet.
I guess the security guys didn’t make a difference between a Vuvuzela and a trumpet, and I also think they never watched a basketball game since they didn’t really care about a true fan who spends time, money and passion for his team.
I almost forgot about this incident until we had our last game versus Israel.
When we Germans came to the Hall, we were the first visitors. There was only one elder man on the other side sitting there with a little drum. Because I didn’t know him, he must have been a supporter for the other team. So I went to him to say hello to a fan who is a drummer like I am. We shook hands, and then he said: „I learned from you guy. I have bought me a drum and here I am!“ At this moment I remembered him, he was the guy with the trumpet! I gave him my scarf which has the words „fans respect fans“ printed, just to express my respect and also to give something away which remembers him of the good days in Ljubljana.
He was surprised and he said that he has nothing he can give to me. I told him, that’s ok, the important thing which matters to us fans is the respect and the friendship between Basketballfans!