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Gun-to-head image, cash bags and clowns — FA now steps inFA Investigates Explosive Palace Banner Aimed at Marinakis
The Football Association has opened an investigation after Crystal Palace fans unveiled a provocative banner targeting Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League clash at Selhurst Park.
The banner, created by the Holmesdale Fanatics, showed Marinakis pointing a gun at Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White. A speech bubble read: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!”
Other depictions included: Marinakis with a briefcase full of cash; A UEFA delegate surrounded by “correspondence” bags with Forest and UEFA logos; Ex-Palace shareholder John Textor drawn as a clown; A ship carrying Marinakis’ name, referencing his shipping empire
The Sky Sports UK broadcast did not show the display.
Clubs, League and FA Respond
Marinakis has repeatedly denied wrongdoing linked to the accusations. Palace stressed on their official site that banners must not contain defamatory or offensive slogans. The Premier League said the matter was for the FA. Neither Palace nor Forest commented, while the Holmesdale Fanatics declined to speak. The match finished 1-1, with Ismaila Sarr and Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring.
Summer of Tension Between Palace and Forest
Relations between the two clubs have soured since UEFA relegated Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League for breaching multi-club ownership rules. Forest were promoted as a result — a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Palace chairman Steve Parish hinted Forest had played a role, pointing to a letter sent by Forest to UEFA. Forest insist the letter was only to clarify their competition status, not to lobby against Palace.
Fans Step Up Protests
This was not the first Palace protest this season. Supporters have already displayed “UEFA MAFIA” banners at Wembley and Stamford Bridge, and chanted against UEFA, Marinakis, and Textor in multiple games. The Holmesdale Fanatics have a history of controversial displays. In 2021, police investigated their banner attacking Newcastle’s Saudi-backed takeover.
Spotlight on Gibbs-White
Spotlight on Gibbs-WhiteThe banner also highlighted Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who signed a new contract in July until 2028. His renewal came after Tottenham tried to sign him — with a personal meeting with Marinakis reportedly convincing the player to stay.
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