‘This is natural’ – Nottingham Forest Owner Justifies Post-Match Bust-Up with Nuno

Tensions Boil Over After 2-2 Draw with Leicester City: Marinakis Defends His Emotional Pitchside Confrontation

There’s never a dull moment at Nottingham Forest these days. From the highs of a European qualification to the fiery lows of a post-match confrontation on the pitch, Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City had everything. But it wasn’t just the action on the field that caught attention—what happened after the final whistle has since stolen the spotlight.

In scenes rarely witnessed in the modern game, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed down from the stands to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo in the immediate aftermath of the match. It was an unusual move, one that has sparked widespread debate online and in football circles. But according to Marinakis, it was nothing more than a passionate moment, born out of frustration and love for the club.

Late Drama and Lost Opportunity

Forest were leading going into the final minutes at the City Ground against a Leicester side already relegated from the Premier League. But a late equaliser from the Foxes left the home crowd stunned, and the draw now means Nottingham Forest have an uphill task if they’re to secure a coveted Champions League spot. The silver lining? European football is already guaranteed—something Marinakis was quick to point out.

“Today is a day for celebration,” he told reporters post-match. “After 30 years, Nottingham Forest is back in Europe. That’s something I promised our supporters when we got promoted, and now we’ve done it.”

It’s a massive achievement for the club, no doubt. But the frustration on Sunday was clear for all to see, particularly from the owner himself. When Taiwo Awoniyi came on as a substitute, fans hoped for a match-winning impact. Instead, the striker collided with the post and was visibly in pain. He stayed on the pitch, effectively becoming a passenger during those crucial final minutes.

Injury Confusion Sparks Frustration

An injury to Awoniyi sparked Marinakis’ response / Ed Sykes/ Nottingham Forest / GettyImages

Marinakis admitted that confusion surrounding Awoniyi’s injury was at the heart of his emotional reaction. According to the Greek businessman, the team’s medical staff misjudged the striker’s ability to continue, and Nottingham Forest’s inability to react decisively in that moment cost them dearly.

“There was a misjudgment,” he said. “Everybody—coaches, players, myself—we were frustrated. But this is natural. This is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.”

His decision to approach Nuno on the pitch certainly raised eyebrows, but in Marinakis’ world, this kind of directness is not unusual. “We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team,” he continued. “And we must celebrate what we’ve achieved together. But in football, emotions can spill over.”

Nuno’s Response: “We Owe a Lot to the Marinakis Family”

For his part, Nuno took the confrontation in stride. The Portuguese manager, known for his calm demeanour, didn’t take offence. Instead, he echoed Marinakis’ sentiments—acknowledging the owner’s passion while admitting the team simply hadn’t done enough.

“It was disappointing for everybody,” Nuno said. “We had to play the last ten minutes with one man less. T [Awoniyi] gave it a go, but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team.”

Nuno further clarified that there had been a breakdown in communication between the medical staff and the coaching bench. “We had the heads up to make a sub, but then Taiwo tried to carry on. Unfortunately, he couldn’t manage it.”

The manager also spoke about the importance of Marinakis’ drive and vision in Nottingham Forest’s resurgence.

“Disappointment and frustration, of course,” he said. “But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us. He wants us to be better. It’s his desire to see this club become a big force in football again.”

European Nights Await, But Work Remains

While the club has all but secured European football for next season—whether in the Europa League or Conference League—there’s still work to do. Nottingham Forest currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with two matches left. A strong finish could still see them clinch a top-six spot and possibly sneak into Champions League contention, depending on other results.

The final stretch won’t be easy, and both the team and fans will be looking for a response after the disappointment against Leicester. Sunday’s result felt like a missed opportunity—a chance to solidify their place among the elite, fumbled in the dying minutes.

Passion or Pressure?

Reactions to Marinakis’ pitchside appearance have been mixed. Some fans applauded the owner’s visible passion and commitment, seeing it as a sign of his deep investment in the club’s future. Others felt it crossed a line, arguing that on-pitch confrontations undermine the manager and can create instability behind the scenes.

But in Marinakis’ eyes, it was all part of the game. “Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming,” he said in his closing remarks. “We must believe until the final kick of the final game.”

And perhaps that’s the message Nottingham Forest fans need to hear. After years of mediocrity and instability, the club is back in European football. They’ve got an ambitious owner, a manager with top-level experience, and a squad brimming with talent. Yes, tempers may flare from time to time—but maybe that’s just what it takes to push a club like Nottingham Forest back to where it belongs.

Final Word

In a sport increasingly sterilised by corporate interests and media training, moments like this—raw, emotional, human—still cut through. Marinakis’ actions may not have been textbook, but they were real. And in a world where authenticity is becoming rare in football, perhaps that’s something worth holding on to.

Forest fans will be hoping the team can channel that passion into their final two games. With Europe now guaranteed, the next challenge is to dream bigger—Champions League or bust.