Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis charged onto the pitch on Sunday, May 11, 2025, after his side’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Leicester City, confronting head coach Nuno Espírito Santo in full view of players, fans, and cameras.
The match, played at the City Ground, confirmed Forest’s qualification for European competition for the first time in nearly three decades.
However, the result also dealt a blow to their Champions League ambitions and sparked a rare post-match scene.
Visibly frustrated, Marinakis made his way to the technical area moments after the final whistle, gesturing and exchanging words with Nuno in front of a stunned crowd.
The tension stemmed from Forest’s failure to make a crucial substitution after striker Taiwo Awoniyi injured himself by colliding with the goalpost with ten minutes to play.
Awoniyi struggled to continue, but Forest had already used all five substitutions.
Speaking after the incident, Nuno downplayed the confrontation, explaining it as a natural emotional reaction in the heat of the moment rather than a serious conflict.
The incident drew swift reactions from pundits and fans alike. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, on commentary duty for Sky Sports, called the scene “scandalous” and “completely unacceptable.”
The Football Association is yet to confirm whether disciplinary proceedings will follow, but Marinakis’ dramatic entry onto the field has already sparked widespread debate about boundaries and leadership behaviour in elite football.
Despite the drama, Forest’s European qualification remains a milestone achievement, though one now somewhat overshadowed by boardroom theatrics.
Watch the video below:
State of the Forest owner what a melon.😂 pic.twitter.com/AkDffXpGcu
— Stretford End (@StretfordEndx) May 11, 2025
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