Evangelos Marinakis storms pitch as Nottingham Forest are held by Leicester

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis took to the pitch after Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 to already-relegated rivals Leicester City.

On the day where European football was confirmed to return to the City Ground, the mood around Nottingham Forest was one of disappointment rather than joy.

After picking up just one win from their last six games, qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League is now officially out of their hands.

Morgan Gibbs-White cancelled out Conor Coady's opener and when Chris Wood scored his 20th Premier League goal of the season it looked as if all three points would head to the home side.

It wasn't to be however as Facundo Buonanotte scored with eight minutes left to earn his side a draw.

Football is emotion.

Nuno Espirito Santo was in a philosophical mood when asked his opinion on Marinakis' post-game antics.

He continued, "(Emotions) are difficult to control, especially on a day like today, when there is so much expectation.

"The fans were incredible today. We wanted to continue with this fight that... that is no longer in our hands now."

Shortly after Marinakis appeared to confront Espirito Santo on the pitch, the fans responded by chanting their manager's name.

Leicester have dealt a bitter blow to Forest's UEFA Champions League dream, and they will now have to rely on the results of others in order to qualify for the premier European club competition.

Should they not make the top five, the point did secure some form of European football in 2025/26.

Whether that is in the UEFA Champions League or not, Forest have still had a hugely successful season especially when you factor in they are guaranteed an improvement of at least 10 places in this year's Premier League table.

West Ham await next Sunday before they finish their campaign with the visit of Chelsea.

The Blues are just one point clear of Forest, meaning the game at the City Ground could decide the European fate of both clubs.

William Dobbie

• Nottingham Forest F.C.
• Leicester City F.C.
• Premier League
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