Nottingham Forest supporters have been left furious by the club’s decision – in the build-up to Sunday’s crucial fixture against Everton – to increase prices next season by an average of 24 per cent
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has urged Nottingham Forest supporters to unite behind his team amid the row over increased season-ticket prices at the City Ground.
The build-up to Sunday’s game at Premier League relegation rivals Everton has been overshadowed by an angry reaction from some fans to the club’s announcement this week that prices for next season will increase by an average of 24 per cent.
Forest are currently 17th in the table, one point above the bottom three with five games remaining and a point behind Everton, who have a game in hand. Nuno said at his Friday press conference that he understood the fans’ frustrations – but stopped short of criticising the club, explaining he did not know the reasons behind the decision to hike prices
He said: “What I ask them (the fans) is please help us by keeping on supporting us. I understand the question, but I am going to be honest with you, who am I to judge the decisions of the club?
“I am not aware, and when I’m not aware of why the decision has been made I cannot comment because I do not know enough. What I know for sure is how important our fans are. I said from the first day I arrived that it’s very special the relationship we have with our fans.
“We need them. It is going to be important for it to stay that way – away from home, at home – so we can count on their support.”
Forest will have four games left after their visit to Goodison Park and Nuno admitted the timing of the club’s season-ticket announcement could have been better.
“It’s never good,” he added. “The bond between the club and the fans is the most important thing in football because we play for the fans.
“When I don’t know things, sometimes I shut up – it’s better to be silent. But what I know is the fans are really important and special for the boys. When they are on the pitch they can count on their support and their noise. Let’s try to keep it this way, because we need them.
“We need them until the end. It is going to be a big fight until the end.”
Forest and Everton are both waiting to learn the outcome of their appeals against respective points deductions for breaking the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Forest lodged their appeal against a four-point penalty this week and Everton have also appealed against their two-point deduction.
Nuno will still be without Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi (thigh) and defender Willy Boly on Sunday, but forward Anthony Elanga is back in contention after missing last week’s 2-2 home draw against Wolves due to a knock.
Forest announced later on Friday that they were helping in an investigation into alleged racism aimed at playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White during that match against his former club.
A statement read: “The club is aware of an allegation of racial abuse directed towards Morgan Gibbs-White from an away supporter at Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Nottingham Forest strongly condemns racism and all other forms of discrimination. We will continue to work with the authorities on the matter and won’t be commenting further whilst the investigation is ongoing.”
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