Nottingham Forest hit out at referees’ chiefs after they were denied three penalties during a costly 2-0 Premier League defeat at Everton.
Forest were furious Anthony Taylor was not given spot kicks for Ashley Young’s challenges on Giovanni Reyna and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who meanwhile backed the referee with VAR official Stuart Atwell to avoid a handball decision. Looked lucky.
Minutes after the ultimate whistle, the relegation-threatened club posted on X: “Three very poor decisions – three penalties not awarded – which we simply cannot accept.
“We warned PGMOL that VAR was a Luton fan before the game, but they didn’t change it. Our patience has been tested time and time again.
“The NFFC will now consider its options.”
The PA news agency understands the Football Association is aware of the post and is investigating it and has contacted PGMOL – Professional Game Match Officials Limited – for comment.
Forest’s post drew a strong response from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who accused the club of a lack of “class”.
Carragher said: “It tells you where we are actually with the Premier League and the clubs. Stuart Attwell and Anthony Taylor have had a terrible day today, terrible, and so they are rightly criticized for that. Should and will have real implications for Nottingham Forest.
“I’m disappointed, but he, from what I’ve just read on social media, is like a fan in the pub. It’s a shame for Nottingham Forest. I’m disappointed.
“That rubbish that VAR is a Luton fan – you possibly can’t get entangled. If you are a football club you’ve got got to indicate a bit of sophistication.
“I get it, the frustration – the officials had a terrible day, terrible – but you can’t get involved, it’s nonsense.”
Fellow pundit Gary Neville, who described the proposal for VAR as “ridiculous”, added: “This statement from this football club is appalling and it destroys the club’s proud history.”
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
