Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest, has initiated legal proceedings against Crystal Palace following an incident involving supporters at Selhurst Park. The defamation claim was lodged in the High Court on Monday, with CPFC Limited named as a defendant.
The dispute centers on a banner displayed by Palace fans during a Premier League match between the clubs last August. The banner featured imagery of Marinakis alongside text reading: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption.” Marinakis has repeatedly stated that he has not engaged in any of the activities referenced in the banner.
The Football Association subsequently charged Palace in November 2025 with breaching regulations requiring clubs to ensure supporters do not engage in improper, offensive, abusive or provocative conduct. Although the banner was not explicitly cited in the charge, strict guidelines exist governing fan messaging that contains defamatory, political or offensive content.
The incident also involves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who had been the subject of transfer interest from Tottenham last summer when the club appeared to activate a £60m release clause. Gibbs-White ultimately signed a new contract with Forest and participated in a media appearance with Marinakis discussing his decision to remain at the club.
Forest qualified for European competition last season after Palace were relegated to the Conference League due to violations of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. Both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have been contacted for commentary on the legal action.
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