Nottingham Forest Owner Banned for Controversial Spitting Incident

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis received a five-match stadium ban for spitting in the tunnel after a Premier League game. The commission ruled it as an act of improper conduct, dismissing Marinakis' claim of it being accidental due to a cough, supported by CCTV evidence.

In a decisive ruling, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been banned from attending five matches following a spitting incident deemed improper conduct. The incident occurred after a tense match against Fulham on September 28, where Forest faced a 1-0 defeat.

The independent regulatory commission, responsible for the punishment, stated there was 'no excuse' for Marinakis' actions which could potentially incite disrespect towards match officials. The commission relied on the testimony of referee Josh Smith and his assistants, who witnessed the act, and supported their decision with CCTV footage.

Marinakis attempted to justify the spitting, attributing it to a cigar-induced cough. However, this claim was rejected due to lack of evidence and contrary surveillance footage. With Marinakis' suggestion of a tunnel ban dismissed, the commission noted additional suspensions were imposed on other Forest members for offensive language in a separate match.

(With inputs from agencies.)