Nottingham Forest criticized the ‘false information’ regarding the interaction between Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nottingham Forest have firmly rejected claims that an on-pitch exchange between manager Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis constituted a confrontation, labelling the reports as “fake news.”

In a statement released on the club’s website, Forest clarified that the incident stemmed from frustration regarding striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who continued to play after sustaining a late injury during the 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City on Sunday. Awoniyi was subsequently required to undergo surgery on Monday night due to a serious abdominal injury.

“The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium,” the club asserted. “There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”

The club urged former coaches, players, and other public figures to refrain from rushing to judgement and spreading misinformation, especially when lacking the full context of the situation.

Forest described Marinakis’ reaction on the pitch at the City Ground as one of “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own.” They emphasised that for Marinakis, the club is more than just a football team; it is a family.

“That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday,” the statement continued. “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”

Awoniyi collided with the post in the 88th minute of the match and received treatment on the pitch. However, due to Forest having already used their three substitution windows, the 27-year-old was compelled to continue playing despite clearly struggling.

Forest characterised Marinakis stepping onto the pitch as an “instinctive” and “human” decision that showcased his leadership. “In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence,” they stated.

“In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur.”

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville was among the notable figures to criticise Marinakis for his actions, branding them “scandalous.” He took to social media to express his discontent, stating, “Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”

In response to the backlash, Forest condemned the reaction and coverage of the incident as “baseless and ill-informed outrage.” They concluded, “At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion.”