Nottingham Forest’s club owner Evangelos Marinakis has revealed that he has contracted coronavirus.
The Greek businessman is the majority shareholder at the City Ground and also owns Europa League side, and recently enjoyed watching his side knock Arsenal out of the competition.
Marinakis announced on social media after he attended our 3-0 defeat to Millwall on Friday, and has been advised by doctors to self-isolate themselves after he was diagnosed with the virus.
He posted on Instagram, “The recent virus has “visited” me and I felt obliged to let the public know. I feel good as I take all the necessary measures and I discipline the doctors’ instructions. I strongly advise all my fellow citizens to do the same. I wish all a quick recovery.”
Do you think Forest's games will be played behind closed doors?
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A crowd of 27,307 was packed into the City Ground to watch our playoff hopes take a serious blow at the hands of Gary Rowett’s side. As of Tuesday, it wasn’t confirmed whether he had already received a diagnosis.
After the suspension of all sports in Italy and the catastrophic worldwide effect that the virus has had, this could put Forest’s season at serious risk.
One of the factors could be that Sabri Lamouchi’s side could be forced to play their matches behind closed doors, depending on whether Marinakis had met the players on Friday. If he did, then it could mean that our forthcoming games are either cancelled or postponed for a later date.
Of course, we wish our owner the speediest of recoveries. But if he has passed on the virus to any of the players, it could mean the end of our season, albeit football in the UK.
He apparently shook hands with players. He would also have been in very close proximity to executives within the club. If those in contact follow the advice given by PHE then they should self isolate for 2 weeks. Forest could therefore have all games suspended. Milwall were the opponents that night. Do they self isolate? If the EFL say carry on or even play v Sheff Weds behind closed doors then what kind of message is that sending? Arsenal have already postponed. It’s going to make the EFL and Forest look extremely irresponsible.
Dont panic, play on