6th November 2025
November 6 – The English Football Association (FA) has charged Crystal Palace with misconduct after their fans unveiled a controversial banner showing Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, pointing a gun at midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
The banner, displayed during the 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park in August, read: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption.”
The governing body claims Palace failed to ensure supporters did not act in an “improper, offensive, abusive or provocative” manner. While the FA didn’t specifically mention the banner, its rules forbid any messaging deemed defamatory, political, or offensive.
Matchday crowds have always used wit and provocation as part of the matchday theatre. Banners, chants, and banter at rivals are part of the culture. Where does the line sit between cheeky and chargeable, and does the FA have clearer guidelines to clubs to not fall afoul?
Football prides itself on passion and expression, however, policing supporter culture in general risks alienating the very people that make football so atmospheric.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at [moc.l1762423714labto1762423714ofdlr1762423714owedi1762423714sni@r1762423714etsbe1762423714w.kci1762423714n1762423714](javascript:;)