El CASico gets heated! Nottingham Forest players provided with 'increased security' for grudge match against Crystal Palace following UEFA feud

According to The Standard, Nottingham Forest have provided extra security for their squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown at Selhurst Park. The move comes amid expected protests from Crystal Palace fans following UEFA’s recent ruling, which demoted the Eagles from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League. The Metropolitan Police have also confirmed an increased allocation to manage the situation.

Crystal Palace supporters remain furious over their club’s European demotion, which stemmed from former shareholder John Textor’s involvement with French side Lyon. Nottingham Forest’s role in writing to UEFA and attending Palace’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal has further heightened the tension.

Hundreds of Palace fans already staged protests earlier this summer, with groups like the Holmesdale Fanatics calling the ruling 'a terrible injustice'. The controversy deepened after UEFA upheld its punishment at CAS last week, with Forest’s legal presence angering supporters further. As a result, Sunday’s match has been labelled 'El CASico' by fans and media alike.

As expected, Selhurst Park was a cauldron of noise and protest ahead of the start of the game, but both Forest and Palace will aim to keep focus on the football. Forest will be keen to prove they can thrive despite the off-field storm. Palace, meanwhile, will look to channel frustration into a strong performance in front of their supporters.