Nottingham Forest Accuses VAR of Bias in Defeat Against Everton
Nottingham Forest recently expressed their frustration with VAR Stuart Attwell, accusing him of bias towards Luton after a series of controversial decisions during their 2-0 Premier League loss to Everton. The club highlighted three key incidents where they felt they were unfairly treated by the match officials.
Controversial Decisions and Lack of Penalties
- Forest believed they should have been awarded penalties for challenges on Giovanni Reyna and Callum Hudson-Odoi, which were not given by referee Anthony Taylor.
- Ashley Young’s potential handball incident also went unnoticed, further adding to Forest’s grievances.
- VAR Attwell chose not to overturn any of the referee’s decisions, leading to frustration and disappointment for Nottingham Forest.
Club’s Response and Consideration of Options
Following the match, Nottingham Forest took to social media to express their discontent, stating that they had warned the PGMOL about the alleged bias of the VAR but their concerns were not addressed. The club emphasized that such decisions have been a recurring issue throughout the season, testing their patience.
“Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept. NFFC will now consider its options,” Forest’s statement read.
Coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s Perspective
Forest’s head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, supported the club’s stance on the controversial decisions but refrained from dwelling on Attwell’s allegiances. He highlighted the need for fair officiating and expressed disappointment over the perceived injustices faced by the team.
“I share the feeling of the club because it is not only this game, it has been a while for poor decisions against us. It is not an excuse but we are not comfortable with the referees,” Nuno stated.
Club’s Actions and FA Investigation
Nottingham Forest’s decision to appoint former referee Mark Clattenburg as a consultant analyst showcases their commitment to addressing refereeing issues. The Football Association is reportedly investigating the club’s complaints, indicating a potential scrutiny of the match officiating standards.
Everton’s Victory and Injury Concerns
Meanwhile, Everton secured a crucial victory over Nottingham Forest, moving five points clear of the relegation zone. However, the match was marred by an injury to Everton striker Beto, who was taken to the hospital after being knocked unconscious in a collision.
“He definitely came around and could understand what is going on, a good early sign,” Everton manager Sean Dyche commented on Beto’s condition.
Despite the injury setback, Everton celebrated back-to-back home wins, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of challenges.