Simon Hooper will take charge of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday, a match that comes amidst speculation over potential sanctions for Forest’s criticism of refereeing decisions in their recent defeat to Everton.
Following the 2-0 loss, Forest released a statement questioning the integrity of VAR official Stuart Attwell, who is known to be a supporter of relegation rivals Luton. Forest believed they were denied three clear penalties in the match, leading to frustration and criticism directed at the officials.
Hooper will be in charge of the VAR system during the Forest-City clash, with Peter Bankes taking on the refereeing responsibilities. Hooper’s performance will be closely scrutinized after he was involved in another controversial incident during Forest’s 3-1 loss to Tottenham, where he declined to take action against James Maddison for an apparent punch on Ryan Yates.
Forest are currently in a precarious position in the Premier League, hovering just above the relegation zone. They will be desperate for a positive result against high-flying Manchester City, but the presence of Hooper as the VAR official could add an extra layer of tension to the encounter.
The Premier League has not yet announced any formal charges against Forest for their criticism of the officials, but it is expected that the club will face some form of punishment. The outcome of that investigation will be closely watched by Forest fans and the wider football community.
