Nottingham owner Evangelos Marinakis causes trouble in the Premier League. It is far from the first time that the Greek stand out negatively.
Wild scenes in the Premier League: Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis started his own trainer after the 2-2 against relegated Leicester City.
The Greek trudged on the lawn after the final whistle and confronted coach Nuno Espirito Santo – the result was probably not satisfied with the club boss, but also a violation of his own player caused displeasure, as it later turned out.
Taiwo Awoniyi injured and Nottingham had to end the game outnumbered
He refused to hold his coach, instead Marinakis scolded like a Rumpelstiltskin until he left the lawn a short time later.
One reason for the freaking out may have been the increasing tension in the fight for the Champions League places. Due to the draw, the Reds missed the two game days before the end in the top 5, which would mean the Champions League participation for the coming season.
Forest had seven points ahead in sixth in early April – the first one who no longer entitled to participate in the premier class. Then they only won one of the following seven games.
England legend horrified: “An absolute scandal”
For Sky expert and England legend Gary Neville, Marinakis’ behavior was nevertheless unacceptable: “What the owner of Forest did on the field is an absolute scandal. And if I were now, I would go there and talk to him a serious word.”
Marinakis with his trainer and the team – in terms of the season so far – should be more than satisfied, because, despite the latest negative series, Nottingham is one of the surprise teams of the current season and currently exceeds all expectations with 7th place.
The gap to the Champions League qualification ranks is only one point, on the last match day there should be a showdown with direct competitor FC Chelsea. Participation in the international business is at least secured.
After the freaking out, the owner spoke up on his Instagram channel: “Today is a day to celebrate, because after thirty years Nottingham Forest now has the guarantee of playing on the European stage again, a promise that I gave our fans on our climb!”
Premier League: Nottingham dreams of the Champions League
“With two outstanding encounters in the Premier League, we have to continue to believe and continue to dream until the last game. We are very proud and are now close to the team, and we all have to celebrate the historical success of this season,” it said.
In particular, the violation of ex-Bundesliga player Taiwo Awoniyi frustrated him, but also the coaching staff. “This is quite natural, this is a demonstration of passion that we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful and passionate and dream!”
Coach Santo took protection on the owner of the “Garibaldi Reds” at the press conference: “It is thanks to the owner and his passion that we as a club grow. He drives us. He wants us to be better. It is his passion and desire to be a big club – 30,000 people have felt the same way today. We would surely go on the field and clap. owe a lot. “
Scandal owner strikes again
But Marinakis always ensures negative headlines. The billionaire, who also owns the Greek traditional Olympiacos Piraeus and the Portuguese first division club Rio Ave, once insulted the entire Olympic CoS team.
“You are not even worth the toilet paper in our training center. Instead of wishing you a nice vacation, I say: Go and suffocate,” Marinakis said a few years ago after a 0: 3 bankruptcy to Piraeus players.
In addition, Marinakis in Greece was already investigated for corruption and game manipulation. According to aging Greek media reports, the 57-year-old is said to have operated a criminal organization to manipulate football games with the former association president Giorgos Sarris.
He was also accused of commissioning a bakery on the bakery of a referee because he refused to deliver the results desired by Marinaki.