FA Investigates Marinakis Banner at Crystal Palace vs Forest

FA Investigates Marinakis Banner at Crystal Palace vs Forest

The Football Association has opened an investigation after Crystal Palace supporters unveiled a banner depicting Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis holding a gun to Morgan Gibbs-White’s head during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.

Banner Sparks Controversy

The banner also carried text reading:

“Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!”

Forest sources say the club is “hugely disappointed” the banner was allowed inside the stadium, calling it inflammatory and xenophobic. Crystal Palace have yet to release an official statement.

Marinakis has always denied any wrongdoing linked to such allegations.

FA Rules and Possible Sanctions

The FA is now reviewing the incident to determine whether Palace face punishment. Regulations prohibit banners with offensive, defamatory, or political messaging inside stadiums.

The row adds to simmering tensions between the clubs following Palace’s forced removal from the Europa League, replaced by Forest after UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules were breached. Palace chairman Steve Parish branded that decision “the biggest injustice in football history.”

Forest’s Frustration

At the City Ground, frustration is growing that Palace’s ownership — which includes Woody Johnson, Parish, Josh Harris, and David Blitzer — has not publicly condemned the banner.

Forest are particularly sensitive given Gibbs-White’s summer transfer saga, where Tottenham triggered his £60m release clause before the midfielder ultimately stayed and signed a new contract alongside Marinakis.

What Happens Next?

The FA will review reports and images before deciding on possible disciplinary action against Palace. Any sanction would likely involve a fine, but further penalties are possible depending on the severity of the ruling.

For now, the fallout ensures that Palace vs Forest will remain one of the Premier League’s most politically charged fixtures this season.