NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis has lost his appeal against a five-game stadium ban for SPITTING – with his behaviour branded “disgusting”.
The 57-year-old was found guilty of improper conduct for launching his saliva towards the floor as the match officials walked past after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham in September.
Marinakis, who has already served three games of the suspension, denied the charge, citing a hacking cough because he smokes two or three cigars a day.
He claimed the incident, which came after Forest lost following a VAR-awarded penalty, was therefore unintentional.
But the commission who turned down his appeal believed the Greek supremo “deliberately spat in a disrespectful and disgusting display of contempt towards the match officials”.
In publishing its written reasons for the decision, it added that there was “no excuse” for such an “egregious display of disrespectful behaviour” that could “fuel disrespect towards match officials” – and that a severe punishment was warranted to act as a deterrent.
Marinakis was furious after his side lost their unbeaten start to the season to a second-half penalty against the Cottagers in September.
Referee Josh Smith had awarded Fulham a penalty on the advice of VAR John Brooks, prompting the Greek to storm into the tunnel after the game.
After losing his appeal, the Forest owner will be banned from the stadium for games against Newcastle and Arsenal.
He will next be able to take his seat in the stands at the City Ground when his side host Ipswich Town on November 30.
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Forest spent big over the summer and are currently reaping the rewards for strong recruitment.
They sit third in the Premier League, with five wins from their opening 10 games.
Marinakis pulled off another coup on Monday, tempting Arsenal sporting director Edu to join his growing empire of clubs.
The Brazilian had helped oversee the Gunners’ rise to title challengers under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal confirmed his resignation in a statement, writing: “We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart.”
By Jack Rosser
EDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.
After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.
Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.
Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.
Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.
Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.
Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.
While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.
Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.
Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.
London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu.
Edu added: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.
“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
