Credits: X/@NFFC

Nottingham Forest Owner Clashes with Nuno Espirito Santo After Leicester Draw

This will be Nottingham Forest’s first European competition appearance in 29 years since the 1995-1996 season.

Credits: X/@NFFC

Tensions boiled over at the City Ground on Sunday during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City. The result sparked an extraordinary on-pitch confrontation between club owner Evangelos Marinakis and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Even though the result securied Forest’s return to European football for the first time in nearly three decades, the Greek owner’s anger was clearly visible.

Today’s result secures our place in UEFA European competition for the 2025/26 campaign.

We keep on fighting and believing. ✊ pic.twitter.com/UlXOwVwirO
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 11, 2025

The drama unfolded moments after full-time when Forest let slip a crucial victory from their hands. The victory could have poved crucial for Nottingham in their race for a top-five Premier League finish. However, conceding a late equaliser against their Midlands rivals left a bitter taste. As Nuno exchanged pleasantries with Leicester midfielder Oliver Skipp, who he previously managed at Tottenham, a visibly agitated Marinakis stormed onto the pitch.

In front of players, staff, and cameras, the Forest owner delivered an angry outburst in front of his manager. The incident drew widespread criticism online from pundits, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville calling Marinakis’ behaviour “scandalous.”

Why Did Nottingham Forest Owner Enter the Pitch To Shout at Nuno Espirito Santo?

The confrontation was reportedly triggered by Nuno’s handling of forward Taiwo Awoniyi. The striker had returned from injury to make a substitute appearance as Forest chased a late winner. However, Awoniyi collided with the post and was visibly limping. Rather than being withdrawn, he remained on the pitch, clearly struggling, as Forest pushed for a decisive goal.

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It was later revealed that Marinakis was incensed that Nuno didn’t immediately substitute the Nigerian striker, whose inability to contribute effectively in those final minutes may have cost Forest the match.

🚨 Nuno Espirito Santo has been one of the best managers in the WORLD this season and this is the thanks he gets from his owner.

Shocking behaviour. 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/kp82OhFRFj
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 11, 2025

Speaking after the match, Nuno told Sky Sports,

“There was a confusion over the situation of [Taiwo Awoniyi]. There was frustration to play 10 minutes with a player that had so much confidence and being positive that he’s going to score.”

Ironically, the draw was still enough to secure Forest’s first European qualification in 29 years. This will be Nottingham’s first European competition appearance since the 1995-1996 season.

Meanwhile, Marinakis defended his actions in a post-match statement, saying:

“We were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo [Awoniyi] and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.”

“Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion.”

Evangelos Marinakis

nottingham forest

Nuno Espirito Santo

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.