Nottingham Forest proprietor Evangelos Marinakis has commenced a defamation lawsuit against Crystal Palace following the display of a provocative banner by supporters. The imagery, showcased during a 2024 Premier League match at Selhurst Park, depicted Marinakis aiming a firearm at player Morgan Gibbs-White.
Legal representatives for the Greek magnate filed the complaint at the London High Court. The banner featured text sarcastically distancing Marinakis from allegations of criminal activity, including match-fixing and drug trafficking. Marinakis has repeatedly refuted these claims.
The Football Association previously addressed the incident by fining Crystal Palace £50,000 for failing to prevent offensive fan behavior. Tensions between the clubs were reportedly elevated at the time due to disputes surrounding UEFA competition qualification.
Beyond his involvement with Nottingham Forest, Marinakis maintains ownership of Olympiacos and Rio Ave. He is seeking legal recourse regarding the banner nearly one year after the initial event.
