Nottingham Forest accused of rule break after Newcastle United Champions League rivals exploit UEFA loophole

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been slammed after confronting manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch on Sunday.

Forest drew 2-2 with their already relegated rivals Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday, missing the opportunity to move back into the Champions League places in the process.

Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Chelsea leaves Nottingham Forest a point outside the top five heading into the final two games of the season. The Magpies moved three points inside the Champions League places and four clear of Forest, who must now win their final two games of the season to have a chance of finishing above Eddie Howe’s side due to their inferior goal difference.

But the point does guarantee a top seven finish and European football of some sort for Nottingham Forest for the first time in 30 years. With Newcastle also guaranteed a top-seven finish, the Conference League spot for winning the Carabao Cup will be passed to the next highest-ranked Premier League side not to have already qualified for Europe.

Unlike last season, seventh place will grant a European qualification spot this season. Should Manchester City, who are also guaranteed a top seven finish, win the FA Cup then seventh will qualify for the Europa League and the Conference League spot will go to eighth place.