Alious
Tensions have been running high since Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed the pitch during Sunday’s clash with Leicester City, sparking widespread media condemnation. Gary Neville was among the most vocal critics, labeling Marinakis’ actions unprofessional and inflammatory. However, Forest’s recent official statement has shifted the narrative — and their fans are fully behind it.
Initially, many supporters expressed concern over Marinakis’ behavior, particularly after he was seen animatedly confronting head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. But clarity soon followed. Nuno later revealed that Marinakis was furious over the medical team’s decision to keep Taiwo Awoniyi on the pitch despite the striker showing clear signs of severe discomfort. Awoniyi has since undergone emergency surgery for an abdominal injury.
In a detailed statement, Nottingham Forest addressed both the events on the pitch and the intense media backlash. They defended Marinakis, saying:
> “When he saw our player clearly in discomfort… it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. His deep frustration… triggered him to go onto the pitch.”
The club insisted there was no confrontation with Espirito Santo or others, stating the frustration was collectively felt by everyone concerned about Awoniyi’s welfare. They took particular issue with how former players and pundits, like Neville, jumped to conclusions without full context:
> “We urge former coaches and players… to resist the urge to rush to judgement… Baseless and ill-informed outrage… serves no one, least of all the injured player.”
Forest fans interpreted this as a direct dig at Neville’s televised condemnation, and they didn’t hold back online. Social media lit up with supporters rallying behind the club and calling out Neville.
One fan tweeted: *“Time to apologise, Gary.”* Another chimed in: *“Should be directed straight to Sky Sports.”* Others described the statement as a “perfectly aimed clapback,” while one added: *“Neville will just pretend this doesn’t exist and carry on his crusade.”*
Simon Jordan of talkSPORT also pushed back against Neville’s criticism, finding himself aligned with the Forest faithful.
Ultimately, the club’s response appears to have successfully shifted public sentiment, with many fans now viewing Marinakis’ actions as emotionally charged but rooted in genuine concern — not malice or recklessness. Whether Gary Neville will respond remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Forest’s supporters are united in their defense of their owner and their club.
Alious
