Dyche 'stunned' by 'bizarre' VAR calls in 'easy' game to officiate

It was a 'bad day at the office' for match officials - Dyche

Forest's manager Sean Dyche was critical of the officials over some "bizarre" decisions in his side's narrow last-gasp 2-1 loss by Manchester City.

Dyche felt Rayan Cherki's late winner at the City Ground deserved to be ruled out for a foul on Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up.

He also thought that referee Rob Jones should have shown City defender Ruben Dias a second caution in the second half.

"It was, to my mind, an incredibly easy match to ref and a clear-cut decision for the video assistant," Dyche remarked.

"To have played so superbly and then be forced to address how the referees impacted the match is galling, but their effect was obvious.

"Everyone in the stadium and everyone watching at home could see that."

Should Cherki's winner have been ruled out?

Dyche has secured four victories from nine league matches since taking over at Forest

Positioned precariously above the drop zone, a point against an in-form City side would have moved Forest six points clear from the relegation places.

But Cherki crushed their hopes as he fired in a half-volley, drilling the ball from the edge of the box past Gibbs-White.

Forest players were instantly remonstrated to referee Jones, contending that Gibbs-White had been knocked over by Nico O'Reilly and unable to blocking Cherki's strike.

"There's a clear push on Morgan Gibbs-White, and the identical player then becomes an obstruction," Dyche commented.

"But he can't block it because as he jumps up, it goes through the bit of his body which he would have blocked it with. Whichever way you look at it it's a foul."

The VAR reviewed the incident, but decided to stick with Jones' on-field decision to stand.

Dyche added: "They'll say, 'Yeah, the ball wasn't there'. And you go, 'OK, so if the ball's not near the keeper and you push the keeper to the floor, is that going to be a foul then?'.

"It's universally understood to be a foul. I am perplexed. To then concede from that sequence is a real double blow.

"I am a strong supporter of VAR - I cannot comprehend how they missed that."

Gibbs-White complained to referee Jones that he had been fouled in the build-up to City's late goal

Was Dias fortunate to avoid a second yellow?

Dyche was equally incensed about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.

The center-back received a booking for dissent in the first half, complaining about a decision against him after his challenge on Igor Jesus.

Immediately after halftime, Dias brought down Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was advancing with the ball.

"It's deemed unintentional. Yet an accidental foul denying a clear chance is a red. So why is this different and not a second yellow?" Dyche said.

"I find it utterly strange, truly. These are simple decisions. Show the second yellow, job done. 'You're off'. I am completely astonished."

Jones awarded Forest a free-kick but disregarded appeals by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a second booking.

Carl Goodwin

Elara is a passionate writer and innovation coach, sharing her expertise to help others unlock their creative potential.

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Dyche 'stunned' by 'bizarre' VAR calls in 'easy' game to officiate

Should Cherki's winner have been ruled out?

Was Dias fortunate to avoid a second yellow?

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