Nottingham Forest’s accusation against VAR Stuart Attwell:
Nottingham Forest have accused VAR Stuart Attwell of being biased towards Luton after feeling they suffered from “three extremely poor decisions” during their 2-0 Premier League defeat against Everton on Sunday. The club took to social media, specifically X, formerly Twitter, soon after the match to express their discontent.
They indicated that they had previously warned the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) about Attwell’s alleged bias but felt disappointed as no action was taken, despite their repeated grievances throughout the season.
“We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game, but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.
“NFFC will now consider its options,” the club posted on their official account on X.
Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.
NFFC will now consider its options.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 21, 2024
Controversial decisions and reactions
The relegation-threatened midlands club expressed their frustration at not being awarded penalties for challenges on Giovanni Reyna and Callum Hudson-Odoi by Ashley Young, while also noting Young’s fortunate escape from a handball decision.
Referee Anthony Taylor waved away all three incidents, with VAR Stuart Attwell choosing not to intervene. It was suggested that Young’s arm was deemed to be in a natural position during the handball incident.
Response from Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo
While Nottingham Forest’s statement was backed by their head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, he played down the significance of Attwell’s alleged allegiances.
Asked whether he agreed with his club’s stance, he said: “Yes I share (the view) because I saw the images. You see it so clearly, you don’t understand why the decision was against us.
“I honestly think the situation with Gio Reyna in the first half was a clear one and the handball, we can ask because if not, the ball goes to (Chris) Wood and there is an incident with Callum and Ashley Young.
“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.”
