The Football Association (FA) is currently investigating a controversial banner displayed by Crystal Palace fans during a recent match against Nottingham Forest. The banner depicted the owner of Nottingham Forest, Evangelos Marinakis, holding a gun to midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White's head.
The banner was unfurled during the 1-1 draw between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on Sunday. In addition to the graphic depiction of Marinakis and Gibbs-White, it also contained text reading: "Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!" This statement refers to allegations that Marinakis has consistently denied.
Nottingham Forest expressed their disappointment that such a banner was allowed into Selhurst Park. They view it as inflammatory and xenophobic. There are strict rules regarding messaging contained in banners at football matches which prohibit foul language and defamatory, political or offensive slogans.
Possible consequences for Crystal Palace
The FA will decide whether Crystal Palace should face punishment for this incident. The club has been approached by BBC for comment but has yet to respond publicly.
This incident adds fuel to an already tense relationship between the two clubs following a controversial summer where Crystal Palace was relegated into the Europa Conference League due to contravening Uefa's multi-club ownership rules while Nottingham Forest took their place in the Europa League.
Last month, Steve Parish, chairman of Crystal Palace called this decision "the biggest injustice in the history of football". However, there is now significant frustration from Nottingham Forest that more wasn't done to prevent this provocative banner from being displayed at Selhurst Park.
Questions raised over club ownership group’s silence
Nottingham Forest officials are privately questioning why Woody Johnson, Parish along with Josh Harris and David Blitzer who form part of club's ownership group have not publicly criticised the display of the banner.
In related news, Morgan Gibbs-White, who was depicted in the controversial banner, came close to leaving Nottingham Forest for Tottenham earlier this summer after the London club appeared to trigger his £60m release clause. However, he ended up staying at City Ground and signed a new deal. He spoke about his decision to stay in an interview alongside Marinakis.
The FA's investigation into this incident continues as it seeks to maintain decorum and respect within football matches. The outcome will be closely watched by sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike.
