FA Upholds Marinakis Stadium Ban Over ‘Undermined Respect for Game’

The Football Association (FA) has confirmed the dismissal of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ appeal against a five-game stadium ban. The FA stated that the decision was made to “send a clear message” following his actions, which “undermined respect for the game of football.” Marinakis had already served three games of the ban prior to the appeal’s rejection. The 57-year-old was previously found to have engaged in improper conduct. This involved spitting on the floor as match officials passed by after Forest’s 1-0 Premier League loss to Fulham at the City Ground on September 28. Marinakis had denied the accusation and subsequently appealed the Regulatory Commission’s initial ruling, but an Appeal Board later rejected his appeal. In a statement providing further explanation for the appeal’s rejection, the FA declared: “Showing such contempt for match officials in a place where that can be seen by other individuals, significantly undermines respect for the game of football.” The FA further added: “Such behaviour is only more serious when it comes from an individual who himself has a position of both power and responsibility within the game.” Concluding its statement, the FA emphasized: “It is therefore vital that a clear message is sent that this behaviour will not be tolerated in any part of football.”