Nottingham Owner Launches Legal Battle Against Crystal Palace

Nottingham Owner Launches Legal Battle Against Crystal Palace

Nottingham owner Evangelos Marinakis has taken legal action against Crystal Palace over a controversial banner displayed by Palace supporters during a Premier League match last season.

According to BBC Sport, lawyers representing Marinakis have filed a defamation claim at the High Court over the banner, which was unveiled during Nottingham’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last August.

The banner showed Marinakis appearing to point a gun at Nottingham midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

It also carried a message referring to allegations of blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking and corruption involving the Nottingham owner.

Marinakis has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.

The legal action follows a disciplinary case involving Crystal Palace. In November 2025, the Football Association charged the club for failing to ensure that its supporters behaved appropriately.

Although the FA did not specifically state that the banner was the basis of the charge, football regulations prohibit supporter messages considered defamatory, political or offensive.

The controversy also comes against the backdrop of Gibbs-White’s uncertain future at Nottingham last summer.

The England international appeared set to leave the club after Tottenham Hotspur were believed to have activated a £60 million release clause in his contract.

However, the transfer did not happen. Gibbs-White instead signed a new contract to remain at Nottingham and later explained his decision in an interview alongside Marinakis.

Marinakis’ latest legal move means the controversial supporter display could now become the subject of a court battle as the new season gets underway.