Evangelos Marinakis' second explosive outburst at Nuno Espirito Santo in tunnel incident

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was reportedly seen shouting at down the tunnel away from TV cameras . After Forest's disappointing 2-2 draw with already relegated local rivals City, Marinakis was seen confronting his manager, in front of fans and the cameras.

, claiming his furious confrontation was a moment of "passion" with Forest's hopes of competing in the next season seemingly dwindling.

He also said he was disappointed with the club's medical staff, after Taiwo Awoniyi was allowed to continue, despite suffering a painful abdomen injury caused by a collision with the post – which has since resulted in the player undergoing emergency surgery. Further reports have now claimed that Marinakis was seen shouting at Santo again in the tunnel.

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According to , eye-witnesses saw Marinakis unleash fury on Santo before turning his attention to Forest's medical staff, who cleared him to play. It's also been reported that he was also furious with Awoniyi himself, who tried to continue playing despite being in obvious discomfort.

Those who witnessed the incident within the tunnel believe it was far worse than what the cameras and fans at the ground saw in the middle of the football pitch. It's is not unusual to see Marinakis in the tunnel, as he regularly goes down there after football matches, particularly after a victory.

Not long after the game, Marinakis released a statement through the club's media channels, explaining the confrontation on the pitch. While referencing Awoniyi's injury, he said: "Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion!

"With two more games to go in the , we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game. We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.

"Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”

Santo also did his best to play down the incident in his post-match interview. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager said: "It was disappointing for everyone.

"It was too painful for Taiwo to push and help the team and it was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department. It's because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club.

"He pushes us and wants us to be better. I have been in so many years. As a club, we owe a lot to the Marinakis family."

Awoniyi required urgent surgery on Monday night as a result of the abdominal injuries caused by the collision with the goal post. The Nigerian striker's injuries are not deemed to be life threatening, though.

It has not currently been confirmed whether Awoniyi will be available for Forest's final two matches away to United and at home to , but it would appear highly unlikely. A victory over Leicester would have seen Forest move into fifth position, but the Foxes' equaliser resulted in them dropping down to seventh.

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