Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis Files £M Defamation Claim Against Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has launched a High Court defamation lawsuit against Crystal Palace over a fan banner displayed at Selhurst Park. The banner depicted Marinakis holding a gun to midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White’s head alongside statements regarding corruption allegations. Marinakis’ lawyers lodged the defamation claim in the High Court on Monday, with CPFC Limited listed as one of the defendants.
Immediate Operational Impact
The lawsuit stems from an August 2025 match at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace fans displayed the banner, which Marinakis claims is defamatory. The FA previously charged Crystal Palace in November 2025 for failing to ensure supporters refrained from offensive and improper behavior. The club now faces legal consequences over the fan banner, which may lead to further disciplinary action.
Crystal Palace
clubThe lawsuit is the latest development in the controversy surrounding the banner, which was displayed during a 1-1 Premier League draw between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. Marinakis has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations made in the banner. The case follows FA disciplinary action from last November for supporter misconduct, and court filings show the legal process is now active in London.
Nottingham Forest is currently preparing for the upcoming season, having finished the previous campaign in a respectable position. The club’s focus on squad development and pre-season training may be affected by the ongoing lawsuit, as Marinakis’ attention is diverted to the legal proceedings. However, the team’s competitive league position and recent run of form are expected to remain unaffected by the lawsuit.
Nottingham Forest
clubAccording to BBC Sport, a named authoritative source, Evangelos Marinakis has filed a defamation claim against Crystal Palace in the High Court over the supporter banner. The claim was lodged on Monday, August 10, 2026, targeting CPFC Limited as a defendant.