Nottingham Forest owner justifies Nuno Espirito Santo bust-up

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has defended his decision to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

The draw ensured Forest would play European football next season but left them seventh in the Premier League standings with two games left to play.

Marinakis’ actions drew criticism from fans on social media, but he described his frustrations as “natural,” citing confusion surrounding an injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Awoniyi, who came on as a late substitute, picked up a problem that effectively turned him into a passenger for the remainder of the game.

Marinakis suggested that a misjudgment by the medical staff about Awoniyi’s ability to continue playing contributed to his frustration.

“Everybody, coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game,” Evangelos Marinakis said.

“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.”

Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged the misunderstanding about Awoniyi’s injury, stating that there was a miscommunication between the coaching staff and the medical department.

He also defended Marinakis’ passion, noting that the owner’s frustration stems from his desire for the club to succeed.

“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,” Nuno Espirito Santo said.

Despite the setback, Marinakis emphasised the importance of celebrating the team’s historic achievement of securing European football after a 30-year absence.