Jean Claude Saclag claims MMA silver for PH in Asian Games

LONDON: Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has launched legal action against Crystal Palace over a controversial banner displayed by Palace supporters during a Premier League match last year, according to reports. Marinakis’ legal team reportedly filed a defamation claim against Crystal Palace and unidentified individuals at the High Court in London on Monday. The action comes almost a year after the banner was displayed during the clubs’ 1-1 Premier League draw at Selhurst Park. The banner depicted Marinakis appearing to hold a gun to the head of Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. It also contained a message referring to allegations of blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking and corruption. Marinakis, a Greek shipping and media businessman, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in relation to such allegations. The incident had already drawn disciplinary attention from English football authorities. In November 2025, the Football Association charged Crystal Palace with failing to ensure that its supporters did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or provocative manner. The club was subsequently fined £50,000 ($67,000) over the incident. The dispute comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two clubs. The match in August 2025 was played after Nottingham Forest replaced Palace in the Europa League, while Crystal Palace were moved to the Conference League following a UEFA ruling related to its multi-club ownership structure. The controversy surrounding the banner has now moved beyond football disciplinary procedures and into the courts, potentially putting the relationship between the two clubs under further scrutiny. Marinakis, 59, is a prominent figure in European football. Besides Forest, he owns Greek club Olympiacos and Portugal’s Rio Ave, making him one of the more influential multi-club owners in the sport. The latest legal action could reignite debate over the limits of fan expression and where football rivalry crosses into potentially defamatory or threatening territory. Crystal Palace have yet to publicly respond to the reported High Court claim. The case could now determine whether the provocative banner amounts to legally actionable defamation.

Brazilian star Neymar marked his long-awaited return to action for Santos by scoring twice and responding to recent criticism with a playful goal celebration inspired by poker. The veteran forward helped Santos come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Chapecoense in Brazil’s Serie A on Saturday. The 34-year-old made his first appearance for Santos after spending two-and-a-half months on the sidelines. His return came at a crucial stage of the season, with Santos battling to avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight. Although the draw earned the club an important point, Santos remain in danger, sitting just one point above the relegation zone. Neymar had come under renewed criticism earlier in the week after taking part in a poker tournament while his Santos teammates were playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela. His decision sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning his priorities during his injury lay-off. The Brazilian forward appeared to respond to those comments after opening the scoring. Following his first goal, Neymar celebrated by pretending to deal playing cards, an apparent reference to the poker tournament that had attracted criticism. Moments later, he added another light-hearted celebration by using the corner flag to imitate a golf swing, further acknowledging the public scrutiny surrounding his off-field activities. Despite the criticism, Neymar delivered when Santos needed him most. His two goals helped the struggling side recover from a difficult position and earn a valuable draw. While the result did not move Santos away from the relegation battle, it provided encouragement as the club fights to remain in Brazil’s top division. The match also marked Neymar’s first appearance since Brazil’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign. The country’s all-time leading goalscorer recently announced the end of his international career after Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16, bringing an end to one of the most successful international careers in the nation’s history. Having stepped away from international football, Neymar is now expected to focus entirely on helping Santos improve their domestic fortunes. His experience and leadership will be vital as the club attempts to avoid relegation during the remainder of the season. Fans welcomed Neymar’s return, with many praising his immediate impact despite the recent controversy. His performance demonstrated that he remains capable of making the difference on the pitch, even as discussions about his lifestyle continue off it. While his poker-themed celebration is likely to generate further debate, Neymar made one thing clear through his display against Chapecoense: he intends to answer his critics with performances rather than words. With Santos still facing a difficult fight for survival, the club will hope their star forward can maintain his fitness and continue producing decisive performances in the weeks ahead.