Eagle-eyed fans spotted Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis holding what appeared to be an older model iPhone during his heated on-field discussion with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The incident occurred at the City Ground following Sunday`s 2-2 draw against Leicester City, where the Forest owner visibly expressed his frustration, particularly after Leicester`s late equalizer.
After the initial exchange on the pitch, Marinakis reportedly continued his verbal barrage towards the dressing rooms.
However, it was the technology in Marinakis`s hand that became a talking point on social media.
Fans noticed the billionaire seemed to be holding an iPhone 8, a model first launched in 2017 and no longer in production since February 2020.
This observation led to a wave of reactions online, many finding humor in the wealthy owner using relatively old technology.
One fan commented on platform X: “Marinakis having a iPhone 8 & wire headphones is my favourite part of this whole exchange.”
Another responded jokingly: “That`s why he`s rich.”
A third person quipped: “Doesn`t matter how rich you are, it`s still a bit of a hassle to set up a new phone!”
And a fourth user added: “I thought I was the only one who noticed.”
Despite the pitchside tensions, Sunday`s draw notably secured Nottingham Forest a place in European competition for the first time in over 30 years, a milestone Marinakis had promised supporters.
However, other results from the weekend mean that qualifying for the prestigious Champions League is now highly improbable.
Marinakis`s decision to walk onto the pitch to confront the manager was widely criticised, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville branding it “scandalous” and even suggesting Nuno should QUIT in response.
The Greek owner later issued a statement to provide context for his public display of emotion.
He explained: “Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion.”
“With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game.”
“We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.”
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo Awoniyi’s ability to continue the game.”
“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.”
“Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming.”
Reports also indicated that Marinakis`s animated reaction continued away from the cameras in the tunnel at the City Ground.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the businessman continue to vent his frustration towards Nuno, as well as expressing anger regarding the handling of player Taiwo Awoniyi`s injury by the medical staff.
Those who witnessed the post-match events suggested the confrontation in the tunnel was more intense than the visible exchange on the pitch.
