Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has launched a libel and defamation lawsuit against Crystal Palace and persons unknown at London’s High Court over a fan banner shown by Palace supporters during a Premier League match last August [1, 2, 3, 4].
The banner depicted Marinakis holding what appeared to be a gun to the head of Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. The image included the text: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption” — referring to serious allegations Marinakis has publicly denied [1, 2, 3, 4].
The banner was displayed during the 1-1 draw between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park in August 2025 [1, 2, 4].
Marinakis has owned Nottingham Forest since 2017 and also owns Greek club Olympiacos [1, 3, 4]. The legal action comes amid tension between the clubs after UEFA sanctioned Crystal Palace for breaching multi-club ownership rules. Palace was demoted from the 2024-25 Europa League to the Conference League, with Nottingham Forest taking their place in the second-tier competition [1, 2, 4].
The Football Association fined Crystal Palace £50,000 in February 2026 for failing to prevent their supporters’ improper and provocative behaviour at the match where the banner was displayed [4].
Morgan Gibbs-White, the player featured on the banner, nearly left Forest last summer after Tottenham activated his £60 million release clause but ultimately signed a new contract with the club [2].
The dispute between Palace and Forest escalated following Forest’s complaints to UEFA about Palace’s multi-club ownership rule breach. This controversy led to Palace’s demotion and Forest’s elevation in European competitions last season [4]. Oliver Glasner, who coached Palace to the Conference League title, later joined Nottingham Forest after his departure from Palace. Glasner said about Forest’s squad, “Number one is I think there is more potential in the squad than they have shown. And number two is you, it’s your ambition, because I am very ambitious” [4].
Marinakis filed the lawsuit on August 10, 2026, marking the latest chapter in the legal and sporting disputes between the clubs [1, 2, 3, 4].
