The China Mail - Forest hit back over criticism of owner Marinakis over Nuno clash

Marinakis appeared to become embroiled in a heated exchange with Nuno on the City Ground pitch immediately after a result that dented Forest's bid to qualify for the Champions League.

But after criticism of the Greek's behaviour, Forest said the incident was because of Marinakis' frustration that Taiwo Awoniyi had continued to play on after colliding with a post in the 88th minute.

Forest striker Awoniyi underwent urgent surgery on Monday on the serious abdominal injury suffered in the incident.

The Nigerian had stayed on the pitch after being given the all-clear by medical staff, but could barely move.

"At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner," the club said in a statement on Tuesday.

"To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn't just a football club - it's family - and he instils that message in all of us.

"That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday.

"His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own.

"In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.

"In the final 10 minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.

"His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain - something no one with genuine care could ignore - triggered him to go onto the pitch.

"It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur."

In the immediate aftermath of Marinakis' altercation with Nuno, he was subject to heavy criticism, with pundit Gary Neville saying the manager should "negotiate his exit" that night.

But Forest hit back, adding: "The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium.

"There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.

"In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context.

"Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one - least of all the injured player."

X.So--ThChM