Evangelos Marinakis appears to have been defended following his full-time confrontation with Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Nottingham Forest owner was seen in a heated discussion with his manager on the pitch at the City Ground on Sunday.
Marinakis’ outburst followed a 2-2 draw with Leicester, a result which severely dents Forest’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League but does secure their place in Europe next season.
The two-time European Cup winners will play in continental competition for the first time in 30 years as they guaranteed a top seven finish in the Premier League.
However, their achievement threatened to be marred by Marinakis’ antics at the final whistle.
Gary Neville slammed the Greek businessman’s behaviour on social media.
In a post on X, he wrote: “Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him!
“The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”
Former Chelsea winger Milan Lalkovic responded by claiming Marinakis’ behaviour is common place in the owner’s homeland.
The 32-year-old replied: “In Greece this is normal, and more.” with a crying laughing emoji.
Lalkovic, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge as a youngster, played for a string of clubs in Greece between 2022 and 2024, including third tier Makedonikos.
Marinakis has since released a statement celebrating Forest making it to Europe in the wake of the meltdown with Nuno.
AFPMarinakis was seen in a heated debate with Nuno on the pitch after Forest’s draw[/caption]
The statement read: “Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 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!
“With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game. We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – 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, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”
Since buying the club in 2017, Marinakis has overseen Forest’s promotion to the Premier League and subsequent three-season stay.
Their time in the top-flight will now continue into a fourth season with the added bonus of European football.
The point against Leicester has confirmed the club will at least play in the Conference League during the 2025/26 campaign.
However, Forest could still secure a Champions League return for the first time since 1981 if they finish in the top five.
With two matches remaining, Nuno’s side are seventh in the table, one point adrift of fifth-placed Chelsea.
Following a trip to West Ham next weekend, Forest conclude the season at home to the Blues on May 25.
