Nottingham Forest have denied reports that club owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted manager Nuno Espirito Santo following their 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City last weekend.
Footage appeared to show Marinakis in a heated exchange with Nuno on the City Ground pitch, sparking criticism and speculation that tensions were boiling over amid the club’s push for European qualification.
However, the club clarified on Tuesday that the owner’s reaction stemmed from concern over striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who was visibly in pain after colliding with the goalpost in the 88th minute but continued playing. Awoniyi later underwent emergency surgery for a serious abdominal injury.
In a strongly worded statement, Forest defended Marinakis’ actions, saying his response was driven by genuine concern and emotional investment in the team.
“To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family,” the statement read. “His reaction was one of deep care and responsibility. Seeing a player in clear distress made it impossible for him to stay on the sidelines.”
The club insisted that there was no confrontation with Nuno, contrary to reports. “There was only shared frustration that the medical team allowed the player to continue,” Forest said.
Responding to criticism from pundits like Gary Neville — who suggested Nuno should have resigned over the incident — Forest urged public figures to avoid “ill-informed outrage” and “fake news” that distort the facts.
“Speculation without context helps no one — especially not the injured player,” the statement concluded.