Nottingham Forest are weighing their next steps after a controversial 2–1 home defeat to Manchester City at the City Ground on Saturday, a match that has reignited debate over the transparency and consistency of VAR decisions in the Premier League.
In the aftermath of the loss, Forest have formally requested access to the VAR audio recordings in order to review the communication between the on-field referee and the video assistant referee team during several pivotal moments of the match. The club believe key decisions went against them and want clarity over how those calls were reached.
Forest Lodge Official Request With PGMOL
Forest have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating performance of referee Rob Jones and have submitted an official request to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing standards in English football.
The club’s request focuses on the audio exchanges between the match officials, particularly surrounding the decisive goal scored by Manchester City winger Rayan Cherki in the 83rd minute. That strike ultimately sealed the visitors’ victory, but Forest argue it should not have stood.
By seeking access to the VAR audio, Forest are not only questioning a single decision but also pushing for greater openness in how major refereeing calls are made and communicated during Premier League matches.
Sean Dyche Questions Key Decisions
Forest head coach Sean Dyche was outspoken after the final whistle, insisting that Cherki’s late winner should have been ruled out due to a foul in the build-up.
Dyche believes Morgan Gibbs-White was illegally impeded while attempting to defend a corner kick moments before the goal. According to the Forest manager, the incident directly prevented his player from effectively challenging the ball.
“In my opinion, this was a very straightforward game to referee, and the VAR decisions should have been straightforward as well,” Dyche said after the match.
“When you play as well as we did and then have to talk about the influence of officiating decisions on the result, it’s extremely frustrating. But that’s the reality of what happened.”
Dyche also argued that Manchester City defender Rúben Dias was fortunate to remain on the pitch, claiming the centre-back should have received a second yellow card during the second half.
Forest Players Protest On the Pitch
Forest’s frustration was evident during the match itself, as several players confronted referee Rob Jones following Cherki’s goal. The protests centred on the belief that Gibbs-White had been pushed by City youngster Nico O’Reilly while attempting to defend.
“Morgan Gibbs-White is very clearly pushed to the ground,” Dyche explained. “The same player then interferes with the situation. When Morgan jumps, the ball goes past the part of his body he should be able to use to block it. From any angle you look at it, that’s a foul.”
Despite a VAR review of the incident, the on-field decision was upheld and the goal was allowed to stand, further fuelling Forest’s anger.
VAR Review and League Table Impact
The defeat leaves Nottingham Forest five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, adding further pressure at a critical stage of the season. While Forest have shown resilience in recent weeks, Dyche admitted that decisions like those against Manchester City can have a significant psychological and points-related impact.
VAR did review the build-up to the goal but concluded there was no “clear and obvious error” in the referee’s original judgment. That threshold has once again become a focal point of debate among managers, pundits, and supporters.
Dyche Expresses Confusion Over VAR Logic
PGMOL has previously allowed clubs, including Forest, to privately listen to VAR audio recordings in an effort to improve understanding and transparency. Its chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, also regularly discusses major decisions on the “Mic’d Up” programme.
However, Dyche admitted he struggled to comprehend the explanation that might be offered for the Cherki goal.
“They’ll say the ball wasn’t close to the goalkeeper,” Dyche said. “But if the ball isn’t close to the goalkeeper and you push the goalkeeper to the ground, is it a foul? Everyone knows the answer is yes.
“I genuinely can’t understand it. Then they go and score from that situation, which makes it a double blow.”
Despite his criticism, Dyche reiterated his general support for VAR, stressing that his issue lies with inconsistent application rather than the technology itself.
Former Match Official Offers Alternative View
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann provided a contrasting perspective while speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day. Cann argued that VAR acted correctly within the current framework of the laws.
“The video assistant referee naturally checks the goal and concludes there is no clear and obvious error,” Cann said. “I agree with that assessment.
“This is one of those decisions that will split opinion. Some people will see it as a legitimate goal, others as a foul. Because of that, the referee’s original decision to award the goal should stand.”
A History of Tension With Referee Rob Jones
The controversy also reopens a history of tense encounters between Nottingham Forest and referee Rob Jones. Two years ago, Jones sent off Willy Boly during a match against Bournemouth, prompting then-head coach Nuno Espírito Santo to call for VAR intervention over a second yellow card.
Last season, Jones also dismissed Nuno during a fixture against Brighton for what was deemed excessive protest, an incident that later resulted in an FA charge against the Forest manager.
With emotions running high and relegation stakes looming, Forest’s latest appeal for VAR transparency highlights the growing demand among clubs for clearer communication and accountability in modern officiating.
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