Baris Yilmaz. (Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest clinched European football for the first time in three decades at the weekend, despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester City at the City Ground.
What should have been a historic occasion was marred by an unsavoury incident at the final whistle, when Forest owner and Greek business magnate Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch and engaged in a heated exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Marinakis appeared furious over a misunderstanding involving the medical staff and striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
The Nigerian forward remained on the pitch after colliding with the goalpost in stoppage time. Moments later, Santo made his final substitution, unaware that Awoniyi was still struggling. The striker was visibly limping for the rest of the match, effectively leaving Forest a man down.
Marinakis faced widespread criticism for his actions, especially given the magnitude of Forest’s achievement. Santo, however, responded calmly to the controversy.
“Football is emotions. Today, there were more than 30,000 people in the ground, all feeling them,” he said after the game. “It was a tough moment. After the situation with Taiwo, we had one man less because of a misunderstanding. It’s difficult to control emotions on a day like this.”
Marinakis later addressed the incident in a statement:“Everyone — the coaching staff, players, supporters, and myself — was frustrated about the injury and the medical team’s misjudgement regarding Taiwo’s ability to continue. This reaction was a natural expression of the passion we all feel for the club.”
Forest learn Yilmaz price
With European football now guaranteed next season, Marinakis is expected to back Santo in the transfer market this summer.
One reported target is Galatasaray forward Barış Alper Yılmaz. According to Turkish outlet GS Gazete and journalist Etran Suzgun, Marinakis made a €25 million plus €5 million add-ons bid for Yılmaz in January — an offer that was ultimately rejected.
“There are serious suitors for Barış Alper from the Premier League,” Suzgun said. “He is strong, physically fit, excels in one-on-one situations, and performed well for the Turkish national team. When Nottingham Forest submitted their offer, Galatasaray chairman Dursun Özbek responded, ‘If I let Barış go now, I can’t justify it to the fans — we’re chasing the championship.’”
Fortunately for Forest, Yılmaz, who has 12 goals and six assists in all competitions this season, may now be available.
Suzgun added: “If an offer of €40 million comes in, he can be sold. There was already a €30 million bid, which was turned down.”
Your move, Mr. Marinakis.
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