Ex-refs chief: There should be Crystal Palace ban after 'search through images'
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Keith Hackett Wants Crystal Palace Fans Banned as £50,000 Fine Dealt After Nottingham Forest Incident
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has called for Crystal Palace fans to face bans following a controversial banner displayed during a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on August 24. The banner depicted Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis holding a gun to midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White's head, with the sarcastic caption: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!”[2]
Hackett described the display as “totally unacceptable” and urged the FA to “take action” beyond a mere fine. Reports indicate Palace are set to receive a £50,000 penalty, with Stefan Borson, former financial adviser to Manchester City, predicting a “small fine” and a warning on future conduct. He noted clubs struggle to control fan flags but acknowledged “there’s always a line.”[2]
Tensions between the clubs stem from UEFA's decision to demote Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership issues involving ex-co-owner John Textor. Forest, now in the Europa League, benefited after Palace's CAS appeal failed.[2]
The Gibbs-White image referenced Forest blocking his Tottenham move in July, leading to a new City Ground deal. Hackett, a regular Football Insider commentator, emphasized the need for stricter measures, aligning with his history of advocating punishments in fan and player incidents.[1][2][3]
Borson called it a “storm in a teacup,” suggesting Palace will tighten flag checks. However, Hackett's push for bans highlights growing concerns over inflammatory supporter behavior amid rivalries.[2]
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