Crystal Palace respond to FA charge as Evangelos Marinakis controversy takes new twist
Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest clashed over the summer after a dispute emerged around their European places.
Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League by Uefa following multi-club ownership issues surrounding former co-owner John Textor.
That decision saw Forest promoted to the Europa League at the expense of Oliver Glasner’s side, whose appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in August.
Palace chairman Steve Parish claimed the decision to remove the south London club from the second-tier competition was “the biggest injustice in the history of football”.
Forest could land £12m more from the Europa League compared to the Conference League depending on how far they progress in the competition.
Crystal Palace contest charge after ‘totally unacceptable’ incident
Tensions were high between Palace and Forest across the summer, while the supporters of both sides were also caught up in the dispute.
Palace fans displayed a controversial banner aimed towards Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis during the 1-1 draw between the two sides in August.
The banner, which showed the Greek billionaire holding a gun to Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White’s head, read: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!”.
The Gibbs-White image was included after his proposed move to Tottenham was blocked in July, with the England international eventually signing a new deal at the City Ground.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider the Palace banner was “totally unacceptable”, while he called on the FA to “take action”.
The governing body opened an investigation against the Eagles before handing them a misconduct charge on 5 November, with the club given until 6pm on Tuesday (11 November) to respond.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Palace have now decided to contest the charge.
What punishment could Crystal Palace face?
The FA alleged Palace “failed to ensure its 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 clash at Selhurst Park.
There has been some debate around the punishment Glasner’s side could face if the charges are eventually proven.
Finance expert Stefan Borson previously told Football Insider Palace are likely to receive a fine for the banner.
“It’s just a small fine, warned of their future conduct and, ultimately, the club will try and control fans bringing flags in,” said Borson.
“But it’s not that easy to control. I think it’s a bit of a storm in a teacup really, but there’s always a line. Certain things you can’t say. It’s probably gone a bit too far that one. Ultimately, it’s not going to be a very significant fine, is it?”
Palace currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, while Forest are second-bottom following their disappointing start to the season.
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