Nottingham Forest post statement paying tribute to mother of owner Evangelos Marinakis following family tragedy

Nottingham Forest have issued their condolences to owner Evangelos Marinakis and his family following the death of his mother, Irini.

The club posted on social media: 'Everyone at Nottingham Forest Football Club extends its deepest condolences to Evangelos Marinakis and his family following the very sad news of the passing of his beloved mother, Irini.

'Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Mr Marinakis and his loved ones at this difficult time.'

Irini was the wife of Miltiadis Marinakis, who held a senior role within Olympiacos - the club Evangelos now owns - during the 1980s.

The funeral is set to take place on the Greek mainland at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Piraeus, near Athens, on Wednesday.

Nottingham Forest have issued their condolences to owner Evangelos Marinakis and his family following the death of his mother, Irini - with the funeral to take place in Piraeus this week

Forest fans also paid their respects tothe club's chief and his family on social media, one user writing: 'My sincerest condolences to the Marinakis family for the loss of your matriarch - Mrs Marinakis you raised a 1st class gentleman in Evangelos- may you rest in peace & that your dear family will find comfort in the treasured memories created during your life.

Another wrote: 'Big love to the Marinakis family, the Forest family are behind you.

A Marinakis, 58, completed a takeover of the City Ground club in 2017. Along with the Premier League side and Olympiacos, Marinakis also owns Portuguese side Rio Ave.

Forest's next match is away at Fulham next Monday, December 22.