Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been handed a five-match stadium ban for "improper conduct" following an incident where he was found guilty of spitting near referee Josh Smith in the tunnel after a defeat to Fulham. The decision, made on October 18, comes after Marinakis denied the charge during a hearing, with the full judgment released on October 22.
The charge stemmed from an incident described by referee Smith, who reported that Marinakis spat on the floor next to his left foot as he walked down the tunnel. This act was witnessed by assistant referee James Mainwaring and fourth official Tim Robinson. Marinakis contended that he merely coughed, attributing the incident to his smoking habit and a cough he was experiencing at the time.
His defense argued that he often needs to expectorate and that if he does spit, he typically uses a tissue. On the day of the incident, he claimed he was taking lozenges for his cough and did not intentionally spit at the referee. However, the FA disagreed, stating that video footage did not support Marinakis's claims of coughing and emphasized that he failed to cover his mouth, a common courtesy when coughing near others.
Marinakis was absent from the City Ground during Forest's 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace while the club appealed his ban.
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo received a remarkable tribute in New York City’s Times Square, where a 12-foot bronze statue was unveiled in celebration of his 40th birthday.
The sculpture, designed by renowned artist Sergio Furnari, was revealed to a crowd of fans waving Portuguese flags and chanting Ronaldo’s signature "Siu" celebration.
The statue, adorned in green, red, and gold, symbolises Ronaldo’s immense impact on football and his lasting global legacy.
Speaking about the tribute, Furnari said, “Cristiano Ronaldo represents perseverance, excellence, and the unbreakable spirit of a champion. This statue is a tribute to everything he has achieved in his extraordinary career.”
Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, remains one of the most recognisable figures in world football.
The unveiling of his statue in one of the most famous locations in the world underscores his influence beyond the sport, solidifying his status as a global cultural icon.
Fans in attendance expressed their admiration, with one stating, “Ronaldo is more than a footballer—he is an inspiration to millions around the world. Seeing him honored in Times Square is truly special.”
As he continues his career, Ronaldo’s legacy remains firmly intact, with his achievements celebrated on and off the pitch.
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