Forest request PGMOL release VAR audio from controversial Everton defeat
Nottingham Forest have made a formal request to referees' body PGMOL to make audio recordings between officials during their 2-0 Premier League defeat by Everton public, the club announced on Monday, following the denial of several penalty claims during the match.
Forest, who are battling relegation, were furious after being denied three penalties against Ashley Young at Goodison Park on Sunday after the full back knocked Gio Reyna's foot, followed by a handball claim and a challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Following the game, the Midlands club issued a strongly worded statement on social media platform X, accusing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell of being a Luton Town fan.
"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," Forest said in a statement.
"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."
Forest, who have been docked four points for financial breaches, are 17th in the standings with 26 points, four fewer than Everton, who have a game in hand. Luton are one position and one point behind Forest in the standings.
The Premier League said it was "extremely disappointed" after reading Forest's comments on social media on Sunday. It added that they and the Football Association (FA) are investigating the club's statement.
"We note The FA has confirmed it will be investigating the club's statement." the Premier League said on X.
"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."
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted after the game that it was difficult to accept refereeing errors. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, who now works as a referee analyst for Forest, called the decisions a "joke".
"One of these errors would have been bad enough. Three was a joke, and that is why Nottingham Forest were left feeling victimised after another defeat in which zero big decisions went their way," Clattenburg wrote in the Daily Mail.
The FA said on Monday: "We have formally requested observations from Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo, (Forest defender) Neco Williams and Mark Clattenburg as a result of their comments following their Premier League match against Everton on Sunday 21 April."
On Sunday, Forest will host Manchester City, the reigning champions.
Forest issued a lengthy statement suggesting that the rules for referees declaring their "allegiances" to the PGMOL should take into account not only local rivalries between teams, but also contextual rivalries based on the current league standings.
"This is not about individuals but rather how the integrity of the game is seen," Forest said.
"Mere reliance on match officials to recuse themselves if contextual rivalries exist invites conjecture, as some have recused themselves where others have not."
Forest stated that they stand by their request for greater transparency in PGMOL appointments.
"Given the widespread and ongoing concerns, not merely of the fans, players and managers of this club but of many others and the pundits too, over VAR decisions throughout this season any move which boosts confidence in the system should be properly considered," they added.
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