The Premier League has expressed its ‘extreme disappointment’ in Nottingham Forest after their explosive refereeing statements.
The Midlands club were left furious with a number of decisions in their 2-0 defeat to Everton on Sunday. A tweet claiming that VAR Stuart Attwell was a Luton fan appeared on the club’s official Twitter account in the aftermath of the game.
The Premier League have now responded and confirmed an investigation into the tweets will be launched. A statement on Monday read:
“The Premier League was extremely disappointed to read the comments made by Nottingham Forest on social media yesterday, following its match against Everton.
“We note The FA has confirmed it will be investigating the club’s statement. It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”
Meanwhile, the FA have requested more information from a number of individuals at the club. A statement read:
“We have formally requested observations from Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo , Neco Williams and Mark Clattenburg as a result of their comments following their Premier League match against Everton on Sunday 21 April. We will provide any further updates in due course.”
Forest’s complaints come from three separate penalty calls at Goodison Park – ex-Manchester United star Ashley Young apparently the guilty party on each occasion. Forest’s initial tweet 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.”
The Reds then followed that up on Monday.
“Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park,” a further statement read.
“The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute). We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”
Elsewhere, Williams launched into a rant following the game claiming his side were denied a number of clear penalties. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“Listen, it is three clear, blatant penalties. Everyone watching that game knew they were all penalties. They are clear.
“Every single week, this happens now. We are getting decisions against us, and I don’t know why. Is it because we are a lower-bottom half team? Because I guarantee all of the top-six teams are getting every single one of them, and I know every single person watching that game today knew all three of them were clear blatant penalties.
“It is ridiculous, and it is week after week now. We are getting these decisions against us. I am not here to make excuses; I am not that type of person, but every week it is something. I don’t know what it is, but it needs to stop now. It is three clear, blatant penalties.”
Forest lost 2-0 at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Idrissa Gana Gueye and Dwight McNeil. It leaves them a point and a place outside of the relegation zone.
