Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis, who acquired Nottingham Forest in 2017, has launched a defamation lawsuit against Crystal Palace. His legal team filed the claim in the High Court on Monday, naming CPFC Limited as one of two defendants.
The litigation concerns a banner displayed by Palace supporters during a 1-1 Premier League draw at Selhurst Park last August. The image depicted Marinakis holding a gun to the head of Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. The banner text read: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption.” Marinakis has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding these allegations.
In November 2025, the Football Association charged Crystal Palace for failing to ensure supporters did not engage in improper, offensive, abusive, or provocative behavior. While the banner was not explicitly cited as the primary reason for the charge, the FA maintains strict regulations against defamatory, political, or offensive messaging.
The tension follows a period of high-stakes transfer activity. England international Gibbs-White nearly departed Forest last summer after Tottenham appeared to trigger a £60m release clause. Ultimately, he signed a new contract to remain at the club, later appearing in an interview alongside Marinakis to discuss his decision.
The clubs have also clashed regarding European competition. Forest took Palace’s spot in the Europa League last season after the south London side was relegated to the Conference League for violating Uefa’s multi-club ownership rules. Sport has approached both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest for comment.
