Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match
It was a 'bad day at the office' for match officials - Dyche
Forest's manager Sean Dyche voiced his anger at the officials over a series of "bizarre" decisions in his side's heartbreaking 2-1 loss by City.
Dyche felt Rayan Cherki's 83rd-minute winner at the City Ground should have been ruled out for a infringement on Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up.
He further contended that referee Rob Jones should have shown City defender Ruben Dias a dismissal in the second half.
"In my view, it was such a simple game to officiate, a very straightforward call for VAR," Dyche said.
"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."
Was Cherki's winning goal legitimate?
Sean Dyche has won four of his nine Premier League games in charge of Nottingham Forest
Hovering just above the relegation zone, a point against an high-flying City side would have moved Forest six points clear from the relegation places.
But Cherki dashed their dreams as he slammed home 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 pushed to the ground 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 said.
"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 ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand.
Dyche added: "Their defense may be, 'The ball was elsewhere'. But then you ask, 'If you foul a goalkeeper when the ball is not close, would that be given?'.
"We all know it is. I can't work it out. And then they score from it, which is the double whammy.
"I'm a big fan of VAR - I can't work out how you can't get that right."
Gibbs-White complained to referee Jones that he had been fouled in the build-up to City's late goal
Ought Dias have been sent off?
Dyche was equally incensed about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.
The center-back received a first yellow card for dissent in the first half, protesting about a decision against him after his challenge on Igor Jesus.
Early in the second period, Dias brought down Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was breaking upfield.
"They say it's an accident. If that's an accident when he's running through on goal we all know what happens. You get a red card. So why is it an accident and he isn't yellow carded then?" Dyche asked.
"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 overlooked pleas by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a second booking.
