FA Investigates Crystal Palace Fans’ Controversial Marinakis Banner

The Football Association (FA) is investigating a controversial banner displayed by Crystal Palace fans during their 1-1 Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park. The banner depicted Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis holding a gun to Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White's head, accompanied by text denying allegations of blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking, or corruption—claims Marinakis has consistently denied. This incident has heightened tensions following a contentious summer in which Palace were excluded from the Europa League due to ownership issues involving former co-owner John Textor, resulting in Forest taking Palace's place in the competition. Forest officials expressed disappointment that the banner was allowed into the stadium and criticized Palace's ownership group for not publicly condemning it. The FA will assess whether Palace faces sanctions, as strict rules prohibit defamatory, offensive, or political slogans on fan banners. The controversy reflects ongoing animosity between the clubs, fueled by the complex ownership and European competition eligibility saga.