United Kingdom: the Greek Businessman's Lawyers Lodged a Defamation Claim in the High Court on Monday, With CPFC Limited Named As One of Two

Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest, is suing Crystal Palace over a banner displayed by their fans that depicted him holding a gun to midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White's head. The Greek businessman's lawyers lodged a defamation claim in the High Court on Monday, with CPFC Limited named as one of two defendants. The banner was seen during a 1-1 Premier League draw between the two sides at Selhurst Park last August and read: Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption.

Marinakis has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to such allegations. In November 2025, the Football Association charged Palace with failing to ensure that supporters did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or provocative way. While the banner was not specified as the reason for the charge, there are strict rules regarding messaging containing defamatory, political and offensive slogans.

Gibbs-White, an England international, had come close to leaving Forest last summer after Tottenham appeared to trigger a £60m release clause. However, he signed a new contract to stay at Forest and spoke about his decision during an interview alongside Marinakis. Marinakis-owned Forest had taken Palace's place in the Europa League last season after the south London club were relegated to the Conference League for breaking Uefa's multi-club ownership rules.

BBC Sport has approached both clubs for comment. Marinakis bought Nottingham Forest in 2017. Who is Marinakis and is he still in control of Nottingham Forest? Get news, insight and fan views on your Premier League team. Evangelos Marinakis is suing Crystal Palace for a banner unfurled by their fans depicting the Nottingham Forest owner holding a gun to midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White's head.