Nuno Backs Forest Owner After Touchline Clash
Nottingham Forest team had just let slip a golden opportunity to solidify their Champions League ambitions by conceding a late equaliser to local rivals Leicester City. At full-time, as the Portuguese manager shook hands with Leicester’s Oliver Skipp — a player he previously coached during his tenure at Tottenham — an unexpected confrontation unfolded.
Late Equaliser Sparks Tense Post-Match Exchange
Nottingham Forest were on the brink of a crucial win that could have boosted their Champions League hopes, but a late goal from Leicester City soured the atmosphere at the City Ground. As full-time whistle blew, manager Nuno Espirito Santo was seen exchanging pleasantries with Leicester’s Oliver Skipp when Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch, visibly furious. The confrontation between owner and coach was captured live, drawing immediate criticism from pundits and fans alike.
Nuno Explains Substitution Confusion
The root of the owner’s frustration appeared to stem from confusion over striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s condition. Awoniyi collided with the post while attempting to finish a late cross and was down for several minutes. Though he insisted he was fit to continue, he was visibly struggling. Forest had already used their final substitution to bring on Jota Silva, leaving the team with effectively 10 men as Awoniyi’s discomfort grew.
Nuno later explained:
“We received word that Taiwo was okay, so we proceeded with another substitution. Unfortunately, he couldn’t continue, and that led to frustration across the board.”
Nuno Defends Marinakis’ Passionate Approach
Despite the heated nature of the exchange, Nuno defended his employer, attributing Marinakis’ behaviour to passion rather than hostility.
“It’s because of the owner’s drive that we’re progressing. He wants the best for Forest, just like our fans,” Nuno said. “There’s a shared emotion behind these reactions.”
He stressed that the club owes much of its recent growth to the Marinakis family’s commitment and investment.
Mixed Reactions from Pundits and Former Players
While Nuno attempted to defuse the situation, the football world had mixed opinions. Gary Neville was outspoken on Sky Sports, calling the confrontation “an absolute scandal” and suggesting Nuno should consider his position.
“You don’t confront your manager in front of a full stadium after qualifying for Europe,” Neville said.
However, others like Danny Murphy and Russell Martin took a more measured stance.
“It’s not great, but perspective matters,” Murphy noted. “They’ve had a fantastic season.”
Martin added that Nuno handled the incident “impressively” and reminded viewers that frustration is often shared in such high-pressure moments.
Marinakis’ Controversial Tenure and Future Implications
This isn’t the first time Marinakis has courted controversy. In 2024, he received a stadium ban for spitting near officials after a loss to Fulham. He later said he had “no regrets” about the incident. Recently, he moved his stake in the club into a blind trust to align with UEFA regulations, given his ownership of Olympiakos and Rio Ave.
Forest’s return to European competition after 30 years is a landmark achievement — but the touchline drama underscores how high expectations have become. With two matches remaining, Nuno remains focused on finishing the season strong, despite the turbulence off the pitch.
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