Nottingham Forest has hit back at harsh social media reactions following their recent match against Leicester.
The criticism stemmed from comments made by Gary Neville, who took aim at Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis for entering the pitch after the 2-2 draw on Sunday.
Neville accused Marinakis of poor judgment and even suggested that manager Nuno Espirito Santo should resign immediately.
The Real Reason Behind Marinakis’ Pitchside Appearance
Many observers were quick to assume there was tension between Marinakis and Nuno, especially after a heated moment was caught on camera.
However, Nottingham Forest clarified that Marinakis wasn’t confronting the manager.
Instead, the club explained that Marinakis was deeply concerned for the well-being of striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who had suffered a serious abdominal injury during the match.
While the injury could have fatal consequences, Forest emphasized that Marinakis’ actions were driven by genuine care for Awoniyi’s health, not any managerial dispute.
Neville’s Strong Criticism and Carragher’s Comment
Gary Neville didn’t hold back when criticizing Marinakis for going on the pitch.
He called the action “scandalous” and urged Nuno to negotiate his exit from the club immediately.
Jamie Carragher also weighed in, calling Marinakis’ actions “embarrassing” and telling him to “get off the pitch” during Sky Sports’ coverage of the game.
Forest Defends Their Actions and Slams ‘Fake News’
In a pointed response, Nottingham Forest issued a statement on Tuesday that refuted the criticism.
While the club did not specifically call out Neville by name, it strongly condemned the spread of “baseless and ill-informed outrage” on social media.
They urged public figures, including former players and coaches, to avoid rushing to judgment, especially when they didn’t have all the facts or context.
The statement made it clear that the club prioritized the well-being of their players, emphasizing that concern for the injured player should always come before online commentary.
Marinakis’ Concern for Awoniyi
Forest also explained that Marinakis’ decision to step onto the pitch was a natural, human response to the distressing sight of Awoniyi in visible pain.
They stated that it became “increasingly difficult” for him to remain on the sidelines as he watched Awoniyi struggle.
The club emphasized that Marinakis’ frustration was driven by his concern for the player, especially after seeing him in severe discomfort.
The statement clarified that there was no confrontation between Marinakis and Nuno, just shared frustration that the medical team had allowed the player to continue after such an injury.
The Aftermath of Awoniyi’s Injury
Awoniyi, who had collided with a post during the match, was initially treated on the field and attempted to continue playing.
However, he was unable to properly move as the game continued, and Forest was unable to substitute him due to their limited number of available switches.
On Tuesday, the club confirmed that Awoniyi had undergone urgent surgery after the full extent of his injury was discovered.
His condition, which could have been fatal, required immediate medical attention.
Ongoing Tensions with Gary Neville
This latest clash with Neville is not the first time Nottingham Forest has publicly disagreed with him.
Last year, after a controversial loss to Everton, Neville accused the club of behaving like a “mafia gang.”
Forest responded with a strong statement questioning the appointment of VAR officials for that match.
The club’s ongoing issues with Neville reached a point where his comments were deemed inappropriate by Sky Sports, leading to an apology from the broadcaster.
The latest conflict highlights the growing tension between the former Manchester United defender and the Forest hierarchy.
However, the club has made it clear that their focus remains on the health and safety of their players, rather than responding to media criticism.