Crystal Palace Football Club has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) for a controversial banner displayed by their fans during their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on August 24. The banner, which was unfurled at Selhurst Park, depicted Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis holding a gun to the head of Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
The FA alleges that Crystal Palace failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) didn't behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, insulting and/or provocative way during the fixture. The club has until Tuesday, November 11, to respond to the charge.
The banner included the words: "Mr. Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption". This statement is believed to be a sarcastic reference to unproven allegations about Marinakis's business career. Marinakis has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to such allegations.
The incident occurred during a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. Tensions between the two clubs were already heightened due to a summer dispute over a place in this season's Europa League. Ultimately, UEFA ruled that Nottingham Forest would participate in the competition at the expense of Crystal Palace. This decision was based on concerns about Crystal Palace's previous co-owner, John Textor, and his involvement with Lyon, as UEFA regulations prohibit two clubs with the same owner, or an owner with 'decisive influence' over two or more clubs, from competing in the same competition. Forest secured a spot in the Europa League instead of the Conference League after finishing seventh in the Premier League.
Furthermore, prior to the fixture, Gibbs-White had been the subject of transfer interest from Tottenham Hotspur, and the player appeared close to a move. It was rumored that Marinakis intervened, persuading Gibbs-White to instead sign a new deal at Forest.
The FA's charge highlights the organization's strict rules regarding messaging containing defamatory, political, and offensive slogans. While the specific reason for the charge was not explicitly stated as the banner, such displays are scrutinized under these regulations.
