Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his support for Premier League referees following Nottingham Forest’s public outburst over officiating in their 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Forest’s Frustration:
- Forest vented their anger on social media, calling refereeing decisions “extremely poor” and criticizing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
- They claimed they had warned the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) about the VAR’s alleged bias as a Luton Town supporter, a team battling relegation alongside Forest.
- The club requested the audio exchange between VAR Stuart Attwell and referee Anthony Taylor to be made public.
Guardiola’s View:
- Despite Forest’s accusations, Guardiola defended the referees.
- He acknowledged the demanding nature of their job, requiring split-second decisions in a fast-paced game under immense pressure.
- He emphasized their effort and good intentions, despite the intense scrutiny they face.
Forest to Privately Hear VAR Audio:
- While not publicly released, Forest will be offered the opportunity to hear the VAR audio related to their penalty appeals.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Manchester City’s next match is against Brighton in the Premier League.
- They then face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, a potentially tense encounter following the recent controversy.
