Marinakis initiates High Court defamation claim against Crystal Palace over fan banner

Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest, has commenced a defamation claim in the High Court against Crystal Palace concerning a banner displayed by supporters during a Premier League fixture in August 2025. The legal action, lodged by Marinakis’ lawyers on Monday, names CPFC Limited as one of the two defendants in the proceedings.

The dispute centres on an image unfurled at Selhurst Park during a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The banner depicted Marinakis holding a firearm to the head of Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. Accompanying text on the display stated: "Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption."

Marinakis has consistently denied any involvement in the activities referenced on the banner. The claim follows a period of heightened tension between the two clubs, including regulatory complications for Palace regarding European competition eligibility. Forest replaced Palace in the Europa League last season after the south London side was relegated to the Conference League for breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

The Football Association charged Crystal Palace in November 2025 with failing to ensure supporters did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or provocative way. Although the charge did not specify the banner as the sole cause, strict regulations govern messaging containing defamatory, political or offensive slogans.

Gibbs-White, an England international, had been close to leaving Nottingham Forest last summer after Tottenham appeared to trigger a £60m release clause. He ultimately signed a new contract to remain at the club, discussing his decision in an interview alongside Marinakis. BBC Sport has approached both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest for comment.