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.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales' appeal against a three-year ban imposed by FIFA.
This sanction stems from an incident during the 2023 Women's World Cup final, where Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
CAS stated that Rubiales' behavior "constituted multiple and serious violations" of FIFA's disciplinary code.
In addition to the ban, Spain's High Court found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, fining him €10,800 and issuing a restraining order preventing him from approaching Hermoso.
The incident has ignited widespread discussions about sexism in sports.
England women's team manager Sarina Wiegman emphasised the need for cultural change, stating, "More changes are needed in women's football."
Spanish political scientist Víctor Lapuente commented that Rubiales "will be remembered as a villain."
Despite the legal outcomes, both Rubiales and Hermoso plan to appeal the verdicts, indicating that the legal proceedings are not yet concluded.
.png)