FA Opens Investigation into Refereeing in Forest’s Loss to Everton
The FA has initiated an investigation into the refereeing performance during Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat to Everton on Sunday. This action marks an unprecedented series of events in the Premier League, prompted by Forest’s public complaints about pivotal decisions that went against them.
Immediately after the final whistle at Goodison Park, Forest issued a barrage of statements on social media, alleging that the referee overlooked three potential penalty calls that could have significantly altered the outcome of the match. The club also raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest involving the assigned VAR, who is reportedly a Luton Town supporter.
Forest’s vehement protest is an uncommon occurrence in the Premier League, although it follows Liverpool’s similar actions earlier this season after a disputed goal was disallowed in their 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. However, there is no indication that a similar situation occurred during the Everton match, raising concerns that Forest’s behavior and the FA’s subsequent involvement could set an undesirable precedent.
Timeline of Refereeing Controversy
– Forest claims that Everton’s Ashley Young should have been penalized on three separate occasions: a challenge on Gio Reyna, a handball, and a foul on Callum Hudson-Odoi.
– Within minutes of the game’s conclusion, Forest released the first of several statements expressing their disapproval.
– Forest submitted a formal request to the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) to release the audio from the refereeing incidents.
– The FA announced the opening of an official investigation into the matter.
FA’s Response
The FA’s investigation will involve obtaining statements from Nottingham Forest, Everton’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo, fullback Neco Williams, and Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League official who currently serves as Forest’s match and performance analyst.
The Premier League has condemned Forest’s public statements while acknowledging the FA’s investigation. The league emphasizes the inappropriateness of questioning the integrity of match officials and will also investigate the matter in accordance with its own regulations.
