Reports suggest that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis found himself embroiled in another heated showdown with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo over the weekend, marking their second clash in recent days.
Marinakis, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, is no stranger to stepping over the line when emotions run high since taking the helm of Forest. This latest incident unfolded during Forest’s disappointing 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester City on Sunday afternoon. Despite goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris White turning the tide after Conor Coady’s opener, a shocking late equalizer from Facundo Buonanotte left fans reeling.
The drama escalated further when Taiwo Awoniyi, who collided with the post in a desperate attempt to score, suffered a severe abdominal injury. The striker has since undergone urgent surgery, leaving the team and fans in a state of concern and frustration.
Post-match, Marinakis stormed onto the pitch, visibly seething with anger after the final whistle. While initial reports suggested the owner had publicly confronted Nuno, sources reveal that the incident was fueled by Awoniyi’s injury and the subsequent confusion over substitutions. Marinakis later addressed the situation, stating, “We were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical team’s misjudgment. This is a natural reaction, a demonstration of our passion for this club.”
He also emphasized the significance of Forest’s achievement in securing European football for the first time in 30 years, urging everyone to keep believing until the final whistle of the season. “We must celebrate this historic milestone,” he added.
Nuno, reflecting on the chaos, admitted, “The confusion over Taiwo’s substitution left us playing with a man down. Such moments are frustrating for everyone. Football is about emotions, and it’s hard to control when expectations are so high.”
According to reports, the tension didn’t end on the pitch. A second confrontation in the tunnel saw Marinakis losing his temper once again, this time directing his fury at Nuno, Awoniyi, and the medical staff. Witnesses described the scene as far more intense than what transpired on the field, highlighting the immense pressure and stakes at play for Forest as they navigate their unexpected Champions League ambitions.
As the dust settles, the focus remains on Forest’s final two Premier League fixtures, where they hope to cap off a remarkable season with pride and resilience. For the latest sports updates and exclusive insights, stay tuned to the best football betting platform in India. Dive into the action and explore the top football betting sites at Football Betting in India.