According to reports, Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest, entered the pitch to confront Nuno Espirito Santo, the Portuguese coach, after a 2-2 draw against Leicester City, sparking widespread criticism. Greek media now report that this action was not solely due to the disappointing result but also related to the severe injury of Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Greek owner immediately confronted Nuno on the pitch after the final whistle at the City Ground, drawing everyone’s attention. Two days later, it was revealed that Marinakis was furious over Awoniyi’s injury, who remained on the pitch until the end of the match.

Awoniyi, who was purchased for €20 million from Union Berlin in 2022, was injured in a collision with the goalpost but stayed on the pitch due to the team’s need for a win and the exhaustion of substitutions. This decision angered Marinakis. The 27-year-old Nigerian striker eventually had to undergo urgent surgery.

Marinakis, who also owns Olympiacos, was reportedly furious with the coach and medical staff’s decision to keep Awoniyi on the pitch until the final whistle. He had previously tried to explain to fans that his emotions had overwhelmed him at that moment.