Nuno responds to Nottingham Forest owner confronting him after being told to quit immediately

Nunoe Espirito Santo was confronted by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis following his side’s draw with Leicester as the club chief looked furious following the match

Nuno Espirito Santo says he understands the frustration of owner Evangelos Marinakis after the Nottingham Forest chief furiously confronted his manager on the pitch in the aftermath of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

Marinakis was seen pacing towards Espirito Santo, who appeared to be attempting to pacify the frustrated club chief. Forest suffered a blow to their Champions League aspirations but secured a Europa League spot with the result.

It appears there was anger with the side seeing Taiwo Awoniyi initially continuing to play after an injury before leaving the field and seeing his side required to play with 10 men. The forward crashed into the post, initially seeming fine to continue.

Espirito Santo appeared to suggest he understood his boss’ reaction however. “Football is emotions, it’s difficult to control when we had so much expectation,” said Espirito Santo of the owner’s presence and complaints.

“The fans were incredible, we wanted to proceed the fight. It’s not in our hands now, we appreciate the effort of the players and enthusiasm of the fans. It’s not in our hands, but it’s not over.”

The Forest manager clarified that Marinakis’ fury stemmed from the side being required to play shorthanded. “It was due to the situation,” he said.

“There was a confusion over the situation of T [Taiwo Awoniyi]. “There was frustration to play 10 minutes with a player that had so much confidence and being positive that he’s going to score.

We made the sub, then played with one man less. That causes frustration, it’s obvious.”