Forest say Marinakis 'confrontation' is 'fake news'

Nottingham Forest have denied there was a confrontation between owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch on Sunday and called the reaction to the incident "fake news".

The Portuguese coach shook hands at full-time with Leicester midfielder Oliver Skipp, who he briefly managed at Tottenham, at the conclusion of their 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Sunday.

As he was doing so an agitated-looking Marinakis came on to the pitch and appeared to have an exchange with Nuno.

Nuno later said the Greek owner's actions were down to confusion over what had happened with striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who had continued playing after sustaining an injury which subsequently saw him have 'urgent' surgery on Monday night.

Forest said Marinakis' actions were because of his "deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment," in Awoniyi.

"The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium," the club added.

"We urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context."