Nottingham Forest will come away from today’s defeat against Everton feeling as if VAR should have awarded them a penalty.
Nuno Espirito Santo and his staff were left frustrated on more than one occasion in the first half.
Giovanni Reyna felt as if he was fouled early on just inside the box, only for Ashley Young to then also not be deemed to have committed a handball offence before the half ended.
From Sean Dyche’s perspective, he’ll just be incredibly pleased that his side have navigated the game through two long-range strikes going in off the post.
The game ebbed and flowed between the two sides, who each enjoyed spells of dominance in what proved to be a cagey match.
And with the game delicately poised at the time, Forest fans will probably feel as if the result would have ended differently had Everton been punished by VAR.
During half-time in the Sky Sports studio, Jamie Carragher shared his thoughts on the decision, and presenter David Jones did actually share what was said by the VAR officials.
VAR said Ashley Young’s arms were in a natural position after Forest penalty appeal
David Jones initially shared what VAR had said on the Giovanni Reyna incident, before moving on to the Ashley Young handball.
He said: “We’re told minimal contact on that one, is what the officials watching on at Stockley Park said.
“And on this one, the handball from Ashley Young they’ve said the arms are in a natural position given the movement he was making.”
Jamie Carragher was then adamant that the wrong call was made: “Nah, it’s a penalty.
“We know you can talk about close proximity but VAR haven’t mentioned that.
“His arms out from his body, he’s making himself bigger, and the ball is just falling there to Chris Wood in the six-yard box.
“Ashley Young is very lucky and I think we’ll be hearing from Mark Clattenberg after the game.”
It’s an incredibly controversial call, and in truth a lot of football fans will feel as if it’s the wrong one.
But either way, Nottingham Forest will still lament the fact that they weren’t able to do more against Everton regardless of any VAR call or penalty award.
And with just four games to go, Forest will be looking over their shoulders at Luton Town every step of the way.
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