Nottingham Forest has hit back at what it describes as “baseless and ill-informed outrage” over an incident involving club owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo, following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
The club has denied reports of a “confrontation” between the pair on the City Ground pitch, insisting that Marinakis’ pitchside exchange stemmed from concern over striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s health — not tension with the coach.
Awoniyi, 27, suffered an abdominal injury late in the match after colliding with the post. With Forest having used all their substitutions, the visibly struggling Nigerian forward remained on the pitch. He later required “urgent” surgery, prompting Marinakis to enter the field in frustration.
“There was no confrontation with Nuno or anyone else,” said the club in a strongly worded statement. “There was only shared frustration that the medical team allowed the player to continue.”
The club further condemned the media and pundit response — including comments from Sky’s Gary Neville, who called Marinakis’ actions “scandalous,” and BBC’s Danny Murphy, who said it was “not a great look.”
However, others defended the owner. “It came from care,” said Chris Sutton on BBC 5 Live. “This wasn’t aimed at Nuno.”
Forest emphasised Marinakis’ “emotional investment” in the club, calling his actions “instinctive” and driven by concern for the player. They urged critics to “resist the urge to rush to judgement” and put “player welfare before social media traction.”
