Three different incidents went against the Reds in a crucial Premier League match at Goodison Park, leaving them furious.
Firstly, Forest forward Giovanni Reyna was tripped by Ashley Young after managing to get ahead of him to control the ball, but both Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell deemed it unworthy of a penalty.
Later, just before half-time, Callum Hudson-Odoi attempted to guide the ball back into the box, and Young extended his arm to block the cross.
In the second half, Taylor signaled that Young had played the ball when it appeared he had fouled Hudson-Odoi. However, replays showed otherwise, yet Attwell did not suggest a review.
There was even a fourth appeal when James Tarkowski appeared to handle the ball with the score at 2-0. However, the proximity between him and Chris Wood might have been too close for it to be considered handball.
Following the match, a journalist questioned Howard Webb as he left Wembley, where he was watching Manchester United play Coventry, and he provided a response.
Howard Webb delivers two-word reaction when asked about Forest
At Wembley yesterday, there was some commendable journalism happening, with Tyrone Francis of Sky News reporting from the national stadium during the FA Cup semi-final.
However, Howard Webb seemed unwilling to engage in conversation. When he passed through the media zone, Francis asked the head of the PGMOL if he had spoken to anyone at Nottingham Forest.
Webb’s response was succinct, consisting of only two words: “Not yet.” He smiled and continued on his way out of Wembley.
Given the apparent indifference of Webb’s response, it’s unlikely to have satisfied Forest fans, who might have expected a more proactive approach.
At that moment, Webb’s phone might have been flooded with missed calls and texts from Mark Clattenburg, demanding answers.
Forest statement won’t make a bit of difference
Until a club within the top six, highly regarded by Sky Sports, makes a similar assertion as Forest, it seems these complaints will continue to be ignored.
Wolves’ ownership previously issued a similarly scathing statement toward match officials earlier in the season, yet no action followed.
The decision to appoint Mark Clattenburg appears to be an ill-fated experiment, and perhaps Evangelos Marinakis, the owner, should reconsider this.
Overall, the officiating standards in the Premier League have been shockingly subpar, and Forest seems to be facing the repercussions week after week.
Webb’s indifferent reaction will likely offer little solace to Forest, and these errors are now jeopardizing their Premier League standing.