Coronavirus: Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis says he has virus
Written by News on 10/03/2020
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has announced he has coronavirus – just days after he attended the club’s home game against Millwall.
Marinakis said “the recent virus has visited me” in a statement on his official Instagram page.
The Greek businessman, who also owns Olympiakos and was at their Europa League tie at Arsenal on February 27, insisted he was now following the advice of doctors regarding self-isolation after contracting coronavirus.
Marinakis said: “The recent virus has “visited” me and I felt obliged to let the public know.
“I feel good as I take all the necessary measures and I discipline to the doctors’ instructions. I strongly advise all my fellow citizens to do the same. I wish all a quick recovery.”
Marinakis was in attendance for the 3-0 home defeat to Millwall in the Championship on Friday, but it is not known if he had already contracted the virus.
Sky Sports News is seeking confirmation from Forest about whether the 52-year-old met the team on Friday night. A crowd of 27,307 was in attendance at The City Ground.
An initial discussion has taken place between Forest and the EFL, and that those conversations will continue throughout the day to ascertain the situation.
The Championship side released the following statement on Tuesday, and have indicated that they are seeking medical advice on the matter: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that owner Evangelos Marinakis has tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Mr Marinakis was diagnosed after showing the first symptoms on his return to Greece yesterday afternoon. During his short stay in Nottingham last week he did not show any symptoms of the virus.
“The club are seeking advice from medical professionals and the relevant governing bodies to ensure the correct measures are taken.
“Until this time the club will be making no further comment.”
A Millwall spokesperson told Sky Sports News: “Millwall can confirm that senior club representatives, who came into contact with Mr. Marinakis last Friday, have all begun a period of self-isolation, as per government advice.
“This is purely a precautionary measure and no individual has displayed any symptoms. The club will continue to follow all necessary guidance from the appropriate bodies.”
‘Arsenal staff in contact with Marinakis; but no reported symptoms’
Following Arsenal’s Europa League last-32 tie against Olympiakos, the Gunners have confirmed staff did come into contact with him during last month’s second leg at the Emirates, but have not reported any coronavirus symptoms since.
An Arsenal spokesperson told Sky Sports News: “Our home match with Olympiacos in the Europa League was played on Thursday 27th February and none of our staff who came into contact with Mr Marinakis on that matchday have reported any symptoms since.
“We continue to follow strict protocols with regard to Coronavirus. We’re following the Government health guidelines and have additional procedures in place to protect our players and staff.
“This has included regular deep cleaning of areas used by players at Emirates Stadium and our training centre.”
Coronavirus: Key sporting developments
- Manchester United’s Europa League last-16 first-leg match at LASK on Thursday will be played behind closed doors. Wolves’ Europa League tie at Olympiakos in Greece on Thursday – as well as Sevilla vs Roma – will also have no spectators inside the stadium.
- Barcelona have confirmed their Champions League last-16 second leg game with Napoli – scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 at the Nou Camp – will take place behind closed doors. PSG’s match with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday is also being played behind closed doors.
- All La Liga games for at least the next two weeks will be played behind closed doors following updated advice from the Spanish authorities
- All Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches until April 15 will be played behind closed doors amid the outbreak, the French League (LFP) said on Tuesday
- The Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia in Bratislava on March 26 will be played behind closed doors
- The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation has confirmed ticket sales for this month’s Euro 2020 play-off match with Northern Ireland have been suspended
- The France v Ireland Six Nations match was postponed on Monday. As it stands, the Wales vs Scotland match is the only game in the final round of the Six Nations due to go ahead as originally scheduled, after the Italy vs England game in Rome was postponed last week
- All domestic sporting action has been suspended in Italy after prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced at a press conference that the whole country would be on lockdown from Tuesday morning
- Tennis tournament the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was due to start in California on Monday but will now not take place
(c) Sky Sports 2020: Coronavirus: Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis says he has virus
