Forest owner Marinakis confronts Nuno after draw deals Champions League blow / Photo: © AFP
Forest owner Marinakis confronts Nuno after draw deals Champions League blow
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo after a 2-2 draw at home to Leicester on Sunday that threatened to deal a terminal blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Marinakis remonstrated with Nuno after Facundo Buonanotte's 81st-minute strike at the City Ground ensured already-relegated Leicester came away with a point that could prevent Forest from securing a top-five finish.
"Football is emotions, it's difficult to control," Nuno told Sky Sports. "It (the season) is not finished."
Forest looked on course to qualify for the Champions League at the start of April.
But a run of one win in their last six Premier League games has left Forest relying on the clubs around them doing them a favour in the final two matches of the campaign.
Sunday's result means Forest are assured of a top-seven finish that will end their 29-year wait for European football.
It was only three years ago that Forest were promoted after 23 years outside the top flight.
Chris Wood's 20th goal of the season put them on course to beat Leicester after Morgan Gibbs-White earlier cancelled out Conor Coady's opener.
But Buonanotte had the last word, with Marinakis making his feelings clear at the full-time whistle.
Even if Forest win their last two league games, including a final-day meeting with Chelsea, it might not be enough for them to enter the Champions League unless Aston Villa, Manchester City or Newcastle drop points along the way.
Q.Arndt--NRZ
