Marinakis' Pitchside Confrontation Draws Scrutiny as Forest Celebrate Return to Europe

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has defended club owner Evangelos Marinakis after the Greek businessman stormed onto the pitch following a dramatic 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday. The match secured Forest’s return to European competition for the first time in nearly three decades, but also dealt a blow to their ambitions of reaching the Champions League.

Despite the significance of the result, the post-match spotlight fell on Marinakis, who was visibly agitated as he approached Nuno on the pitch to express his frustration. The moment, broadcast live, drew condemnation from pundits, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville calling it “scandalous” during Sky Sports coverage.

Nuno, however, offered context to the confrontation, pointing to a late-game injury suffered by striker Taiwo Awoniyi. “It was due to the situation,” Nuno explained. “There was a confusion over the situation of [Awoniyi]. There was frustration to play 10 minutes with a player that had so much confidence and being positive that he's going to score. We made the sub, then played with one man less. That causes frustration, it's obvious.”

Awoniyi collided with the post with 10 minutes remaining and was left to continue hobbling through the final stages after Forest had made their final substitution. The injury led to tension between the coaching and medical staff, which Marinakis cited as the root of his reaction.

“Football is emotions. It's difficult to control, especially when we had so much expectation today,” Nuno added.

In a statement released after the match, Marinakis attempted to clarify his outburst and shift the focus back to the club’s achievement. “Today is a day for celebration, because after thirty years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again, a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion!” he said.

Marinakis acknowledged the shared frustration, saying: “Everybody: Coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff's misjudgement on Taiwo's ability to continue the game. This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our Club. Let's all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”

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While the altercation raised eyebrows, Nuno insisted that the passion Marinakis brings is part of what has propelled Forest’s resurgence. “It is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us. He wants us to be better,” Nuno said. “Us as a club, we owe a lot to the Marinakis family.”

He refused to dwell on the incident, brushing off Neville’s suggestion that he should consider leaving: “I have huge respect for Gary Neville... but all the rest, please allow me… I do not want to proceed about (talk of) the future.”

The result leaves Forest seventh in the table, just a point off fifth-placed Chelsea, whom they host on the final day. Although Champions League qualification now depends on results elsewhere, Forest are assured of a spot in the Europa Conference League – their first taste of European football since 1996.

With just two games remaining, Forest still have a chance at finishing in the top five – but they’ll need help. As Nuno put it, “Let’s go again, it’s not in our hands but it’s not finished.”

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