Forest mount a formal challenge to the PGMOL alleging game-changing errors in City defeat | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest have submitted a formal complaint to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited after what they believe were decisive refereeing errors in Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City.

The club are understood to have set out their concerns in writing after the 2-1 defeat at the City Ground.

The complaint is understood to focus on two key incidents involving referee Rob Jones and the VAR team.

Forest felt Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card for a second-half foul on Igor Jesus that halted a promising attack.

Dias had already been booked, and the decision not to dismiss him caused frustration among Forest players and staff.

The second incident relates to Rayan Cherki’s 83rd-minute winning goal, which Forest believe should have been ruled out.

Sean Dyche felt Morgan Gibbs-White was fouled by Nico O’Reilly in the build-up, preventing him from blocking the shot at a crucial moment.

VAR reviewed the incident but allowed the on-field decision to stand.

Forest have requested access to the audio of the conversations between the match officials and the VAR team during the game.

Dyche is also expected to raise the incidents directly with PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League fixture against Everton, Dyche said his view of the decisions had not changed.

He described the failure to issue a second yellow card as a simple call that could have altered the contest.

While acknowledging Manchester City’s quality, Dyche argued that playing against ten men would have significantly improved Forest’s chances.

He also pointed to other recent decisions that he felt had gone against his side, adding to a growing sense of frustration.

Forest players protested strongly after Cherki’s goal, insisting Gibbs-White had been pushed while defending the corner.

The defeat left Forest five points above the relegation zone, heightening concerns about the impact of dropped points.

The incident adds to a history of contentious moments involving Jones and the club.

In December 2023, Jones sent off Willy Boly for a second yellow card during Nuno Espirito Santo’s first match in charge.

Jones later dismissed Nuno at Brighton, leading to a touchline ban for the former Forest manager.