Following the nerve-wracking win for Nottingham Forest on penalties in the Championship Play-off semi-final against Sheffield United, videos have emerged of family and hierarchy alike celebrating during the pitch invasion that represented an outpouring of emotion for the midlands side.
Though they lost the game 2-1 on the night, their victory at Bramall lane meant that the tie went to extra time and, eventually, penalties. And in the shoot-out, it was Forest no.1 Brice Samba who made himself the hero, saving three of the Blades’ spot-kicks as he helped his side into the playoff final at Wembley on Sunday 29th May.
?️ “Brice Samba saves it, and Forest are going to Wembley” ❤️
?? #NFFC pic.twitter.com/j28z0w9A8h
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) May 18, 2022
The celebrations commence
And, now one step closer to a top-flight return, the celebrations spilled onto the pitch. While there were some unsavoury scenes, including a fan headbutting Billy Sharp, it was for the most part an outpouring of joy at the City Stadium.
Chief among those were the club owner’s son, Miltiadis Marinakis, who took to the pitch carrying a Greek flag, captioning the footage with a simple message. Believe.
#BELIEVE #NFFC pic.twitter.com/JcQA3MPN3p
— Miltiadis Marinakis (@mil7iadis) May 18, 2022
Miltiadis has been an avid follower of the club owned by his family this campaign, consistently at the City ground to watch their season to date and keep an eye on the impressive progress of Steve Cooper, hired only in September.
Players family members also joined the celebrations, with the mother of Middlesbrough loanee Djed Spence belting out her son’s chant on the shoulders of one of the Forest faithful.
Djed Spence’s mum, celebrating amongst Forest fans at the City Ground last night. Top tier content.pic.twitter.com/l8K6MgMNhs
— COPA90 (@Copa90) May 18, 2022
