Evangelos Marinakis ‘proud’ of Forest manager Nuno despite pitch confrontation

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis insists he is “proud” of Nuno Espirito Santo despite storming onto the pitch to confront the manager after watching his side fumble Champions League qualification.

Marinakis was seen emotionally remonstrating with Nuno after Facundo Buonanotte’s 81st-minute strike earned Leicester a 2-2 Premier League draw at the City Ground, inflicting a damaging blow to Forest’s hopes of finishing in the top five.

They were unsavoury scenes, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville saying the Portuguese should “negotiate his exit tonight”.

Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans,players and manager do not deserve that

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) May 11, 2025

However, both Marinakis and Nuno say the Greek owner’s frustrations came because of a miscommunication between the bench and medical staff after an injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi in the dying stages of the match.

Although Champions League qualification is now out of their hands, they have at least guaranteed European football for the first time since 1996, as they will be heading into the Europa Conference League at the very least.

Marinakis said in a statement: “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!

“With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game.

“We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.

“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including