Nottingham Forest have issued a robust statement defending their owner, Evangelos Marinakis, following a heated on-pitch exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the team’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday. The incident, which Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville branded “scandalous,” sparked widespread criticism and speculation about tensions at the club, but Forest have dismissed reports of a confrontation as “fake news” and praised Marinakis’ passion for the team.
The controversy erupted in the aftermath of a frustrating match at the City Ground, where Forest squandered a 2-1 lead, with goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, to settle for a draw against relegated Leicester. The result dented Forest’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot, leaving them seventh in the Premier League with two games remaining. Television footage captured an agitated Marinakis storming onto the pitch post-match, appearing to engage in an animated discussion with Nuno, who was shaking hands with Leicester’s Oliver Skipp. The exchange drew immediate attention, with Neville slamming Marinakis’ actions and suggesting Nuno should “negotiate his exit” from the club.
Further reports alleged that Marinakis continued his outburst in the tunnel, directing frustration at Nuno, striker Taiwo Awoniyi, and the medical staff. The Sun claimed eyewitnesses saw the Greek businessman “lose his temper” in a manner that went beyond what was visible on the pitch. The root of Marinakis’ anger, according to sources, was a medical misjudgment involving Awoniyi, who suffered a serious abdominal injury after crashing into a post late in the game. Despite being cleared to continue by medical staff, Awoniyi could barely move, effectively leaving Forest with 10 men after they had used all their substitutions. Awoniyi has since undergone urgent surgery, with the club citing the incident as validation for Marinakis’ reaction.
In their official statement, Nottingham Forest categorically denied claims of a confrontation. “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium,” the club declared. They emphasized Marinakis’ deep commitment, stating, “Our owner’s passion and dedication have driven this club to its current heights, and his frustration over the medical staff’s error reflects the care he has for our players and supporters.” The statement also celebrated Forest’s guaranteed European football next season, a milestone not achieved in 30 years, and urged fans to focus on the team’s historic achievements.
Nuno, speaking to the media, echoed the club’s sentiments, downplaying the incident as a product of Marinakis’ desire for excellence. “It was disappointment and frustration, of course,” Nuno said. “But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us to be better.” He attributed the situation to a “miscommunication” between the coaching staff and medical team over Awoniyi’s condition, adding that the owner’s reaction resonated with the feelings of the 30,000 fans in attendance. Marinakis himself addressed the incident, saying, “We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team. We were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural.”
The incident has divided opinion. While Neville and pundit Alan Shearer criticized Marinakis’ public approach as “not a good look,” others, including talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, called Neville’s suggestion that Nuno quit “ridiculous,” arguing that Marinakis’ emotional investment is part of what makes him a transformative figure for Forest. Supporters on social media expressed mixed feelings, with some praising Marinakis’ hands-on leadership and others questioning the optics of the exchange. One fan, posting on X, wrote, “Nuno has done an incredible job, and Marinakis needs to show him respect, not bollock him on the pitch.” Another countered, “Marinakis treats this club like family. His passion is why we’re back in Europe.”
Forest’s statement also took aim at sensationalized reporting, accusing certain outlets of spreading “inaccurate narratives” that undermine the club’s unity. Despite the off-field drama, Nuno’s position appears secure, with sources indicating that Marinakis’ clarifications have eased initial concerns among supporters. The club now turns its focus to the final two Premier League matches, aiming to secure a European spot and build on a season that has defied expectations after last year’s relegation battle.