The football world was left stunned as news broke of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis receiving a hefty five-match stadium ban after being found guilty of spitting near referee Josh Smith in the tunnel following their defeat to Fulham. The incident, which occurred on October 18th, has sent shockwaves through the Premier League and raised serious questions about the conduct of club owners.
Marinakis Denies Charge, Claims Cough
According to sources close to the situation, Marinakis vehemently denied the FA charge at his hearing, instead claiming that he had merely coughed due to his smoking habit and was not intentionally spitting at the referee’s feet. The defense argued that as a smoker of 2-3 cigars per day, Marinakis often needs to expectorate or cough, and that any spit or phlegm that may have left his mouth was unintentional and not aimed at anyone.
He fails to see how coughing [where spit or phlegm can come out from any person] towards the floor in a relatively crowded tunnel is misconduct.
– Statement from Marinakis’ defense
Referee Disputes Cough Claim
However, referee Josh Smith maintained that he did not observe Marinakis coughing when the incident occurred at the end of the tunnel. After reviewing footage of the encounter, the FA stated:
We are of the view that the footage does not support the suggestion that Marinakis coughed. Typically, if someone was about to cough, common decency demands that one covers one’s mouth.
– FA statement
The FA further noted that if Marinakis had been about to cough, he likely would have covered his mouth or turned away as the referee approached, neither of which the footage indicated.
Other Forest Staff Face Disciplinary Action
In addition to Marinakis’ ban, Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo was slapped with a three-match touchline ban and £55,000 fine for misconduct in a separate incident during their 2-2 draw with Brighton in September. Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White also received a one-match ban and £20,000 fine for acting improperly towards the fourth official after being sent off in the same match.
Club Appeals Ban as Controversy Swirls
Nottingham Forest swiftly appealed Marinakis’ ban following the announcement, but the Greek owner was notably absent from the stands during their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Monday at the City Ground. As the club awaits the outcome of their appeal, the controversy has sparked intense debate over the behavior of Premier League club owners and officials.
Critics argue that such conduct from a high-profile figure like Marinakis sets a poor example and undermines the integrity of the game. With the eyes of the football world upon them, Nottingham Forest must now navigate not only the legal repercussions but also the court of public opinion.
As this saga continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the repercussions of this tunnel incident will be felt far beyond the City Ground. The Premier League and FA face increased pressure to ensure that club owners and officials are held to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off the pitch. Only time will tell how this scandal will impact Nottingham Forest and the broader football landscape in the months to come.
