Nuno Espirito Santo responds to Nottingham Forest’s announcement following the team’s three penalty denials.

Joe Brophy, Lead Content Creator
Published: April 21, 2024, at 18:03.Revised: April 21, 202, 18:03

Nuno Espirito Santo responded to Nottingham Forest’s emotional statement following their Everton defeat in a most impressive way.

Prior to kickoff, Nuno acknowledged to talkSPORT that he was aware that Forest had questioned Stuart Attwell’s nomination as the VAR for their controversial 2-0 loss.

When it came to Everton, Nuno Espirito Santo was perplexed by the referees.

Regards: Getty

Three penalty appeals from the ‘Tricky Trees’ were rejected by on-field referee Anthony Taylor at Goodison Park, and Attwell supported his rulings at Stockley Park.

In a statement following the match, Forest said they are “considering their options” in light of the “extremely poor” refereeing decisions.

The team also disclosed that, with the Hatters just one point behind Forest in the relegation zone, they had warned PGMOL about prejudice by claiming Attwell was a supporter of Luton Town.

Nuno stated the following in a talkSPORT interview conducted after the game: “I can clarify my stance; I was aware of the complaint.

It’s an official grievance. If a club feels uncomfortable, they have the right to refuse to participate. The PGMOL makes the opposite decision.

It makes no difference whether Stuart Attwell is not a fan of Luton. In the end, it makes no difference. That is unimportant. It’s his responsibility to be there.

“To begin with, Anthony Taylor performed poorly today, and VAR performed poorly as well because the rulings were flawed.

“After we lose a game, everyone will say, ‘Okay, look at the manager, look he’s getting excuses.’ No, that’s not an excuse; that’s the truth.

Nottingham Forest was furious with the officials at Goodison. Picture courtesy of Getty

Although we are unsure of the outcome of that call, it is a poor decision; the referee should benefit from VAR. I observed it.

Forest’s latest protest against VAR and the decisions made by officials this season was their declaration.

When Forest lost 3-2 at Manchester United in August, they lodged complaints about referee Attwell and his colleagues in the stands.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb acknowledged that a mistake was made in Willy Boly’s dismissal from the team against Bournemouth in December.

In addition, Forest sent a letter of complaint to the Premier League on Ivan Toney’s contentious free-kick goal in Brentford’s 3-2 victory earlier this year, which he scored after serving a ban for betting violations.

The Midlands team even employed Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League official, as its referees’ analyst to provide guidance on particular matters and serve as a knowledgeable intermediary between them and the PGMOL.

Santo responded to the criticism of VAR issued by his club. Well, AttwellRegards: Getty

Nuno, the manager of Forest, acknowledged that he understood the club’s dissatisfaction following a string of constant decisions made since his arrival.

The former manager of Tottenham made reference to Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Forest, storming the field following the team’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool.

Play was delayed due to what appeared to be a head injury to Ibrahima Konate. Darwin Nunez went on to score a last-gasp goal, much to Forest’s chagrin.

Nuno continued, saying, “I would rather talk about other things,” to talkSPORT. I would rather to talk about the need these four games provide for us.

“I would like to talk about the players’ performances and standards, but this has been going on for a very long time.

“Since my arrival, I’ve been experiencing this rising sensation, so you have to comprehend the club’s response.

Young escaped giving up a penalty by making three consecutive close calls.Regards: Getty

We owe our supporters this. 2,000/3,000 people travel for every 1,000 persons or more. They should be respected because they are on this territory.

“The referees need to recognize and evaluate that they are [making] poor calls that work against us. Not just penalties, but decisions that are costing us points.

“Remember that there are 30 seconds remaining in the match against Liverpool. Do you understand what I mean? You have to realize that’s how we respond.”

Look, we would start talking about conspiracies if we were in a different nation. Do you understand what I mean?

However, Nuno said, “No, I don’t,” in response to a question about if there is any indication of a plot or anything else improper. No. That is not what I am discussing.

However, why does this happen every time, and then the ultimate panel responds a week later with something like, “No, you were right, you’re entitled to a penalty bah, bah, bah”? What’s the point?

“Seems like they are playing with us.”