Marinakis in Greek court charged with inciting violence and backing a criminal enterprise

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is a name that is almost impossible to keep out of the news, and he is once again at the center of controversy.

The shipping magnate is on trial in Athens, accused of instigating football violence and supporting a criminal organisation. Marinakis, 58, who also owns Greek club Olympiacos, is charged alongside four board members with two misdemeanors – inciting violence through public statements and backing a criminal group between 2019 and 2024.

His lawyer, Vassilis Dimakopoulos, dismissed the charges as “totally baseless”, insisting the accusations lack evidence. In total, 142 people are charged in connection with violent clashes between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos fans that led to the death of 31-year-old riot police officer George Lyngeridis, who was struck by a flare and later died from his injuries.

The proceedings are being held in a secure facility near Korydallos prison due to the case’s scale, involving over 200 witnesses and 140 defendants.

The trial began in absolute silence as the judges took to the bench and requested the presence of the defendants. The names of the defendants and witnesses were read out. Police officers wore hoods and were heavily armed.

The next hearing is set for November 25.