Marinakis Targeted in Fan Banner as FA Charges Crystal Palace

The Football Association (FA) has charged Crystal Palace with misconduct after supporters unveiled a controversial banner targeting Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis during the 1-1 draw between the sides at Selhurst Park in August.

The dispute centered around a Europa League spot that ultimately went to Forest, leaving Palace and their fans feeling aggrieved.

During the heated Premier League encounter, Palace fans in the Holmesdale End held up a graphic banner depicting Marinakis — a move that has now prompted disciplinary action from the FA.

Europa League Dispute at the Heart of the Tension

The bad blood between the clubs dates back to last season, when Crystal Palace earned what appeared to be a Europa League berth after their stunning FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.

However, the London club was later barred from participating due to UEFA’s ruling over co-owner John Textor’s controlling interest in Lyon, another team that had also qualified for the competition. UEFA regulations prohibit two clubs under shared ownership from competing in the same European tournament.

The drawn-out saga left Palace fans furious, and it was widely reported that Evangelos Marinakis—Forest’s Greek billionaire owner—had written to UEFA expressing concern over Palace’s ownership structure.

When UEFA ultimately decided that Palace would be excluded and Nottingham Forest promoted from the Conference League to the Europa League, tensions between the fan bases naturally escalated.

“Crystal Palace FC has been charged with misconduct in relation to its Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest FC on Sunday, August 24,” the statement read.

“It is alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, insulting and/or provocative way during the fixture.”

Palace have been given a deadline to respond to the charge, and potential sanctions could include a fine or warning, depending on the FA’s findings.

The incident serves as a reminder of how off-field politics and ownership disputes can spill over into matchday emotion — especially when European football and millions in prize money are on the line.