Evangelos Marinakis releases statement after Nuno confrontation and explains Nottingham Forest anger

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has insisted his on-pitch frustration after Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City was down to “the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo (Awoniyi)’s ability to continue the game”.

The Greek businessman stormed onto the field at the City Ground and was seen emotionally remonstrating with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after Facundo Buonanotte’s 81st-minute equaliser earned the Foxes a point and meant Forest fumbled Champions League qualification.

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 myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.

“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”

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