Nottingham Forest issues extraordinary statement after controversial defeat to Everton

Nottingham Forest have released an extraordinary statement following their 2-0 defeat to relegation rivals Everton, where the club expressed vehement frustration over three denied penalty shouts during the match.

Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil scored the goals that secured victory for Everton, but it was the contentious penalty decisions that stole the spotlight.

Nottingham Forest believed that Ashley Young of Everton had escaped punishment for three significant incidents in the penalty area.

In a bold yet extraordinary move, the club criticized the officiating team, including VAR referee Attwell, suggesting bias by labeling him a “Luton Town fan” and questioning the integrity of the Premier League.

The club’s official statement, conveyed via Twitter, read: “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.”

This bold condemnation has wider implications, potentially influencing the Premier League relegation battle. With Everton now five points clear of the relegation zone and Forest languishing in 18th place, the impact of these officiating decisions could prove significant.