“I was surprised” Pundit slams Taylor’s decision on letting Yates go scot free after a heavy challenge on Newcastle star.
Nottingham Forest went into their clash with Newcastle United sitting third in the league. Despite taking an early lead, they couldn’t hold on.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised Murillo for netting his first goal for the club, which gave them a halftime lead. However, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle stormed back in the second half to secure their second consecutive Premier League victory.
After the match, Nicolas Dominguez mentioned that the Forest dressing room wasn’t too downhearted by the loss. Forest had some moments that might have gone their way on another day, but ultimately, they have to accept this result.
**Ryan Yates’ Controversial Challenge on Tino Livramento**
A key moment in the first half saw Tino Livramento hit the ground after a challenge from Ryan Yates. The game continued, and Forest eventually won a free kick when Morgan Gibbs-White was fouled by Dan Burn.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Forest got lucky. Burn was booked for his foul, his fifth yellow of the season, meaning he’ll miss Newcastle’s next match, but Halsey thinks Yates should have seen a card first.
Halsey shared with *The Sun*: “Ryan Yates was fortunate to avoid punishment for a reckless arm on Tino Livramento. I was surprised Anthony Taylor didn’t pick up on the intensity of the challenge. Play continued, but Newcastle should have had a free-kick, and Yates deserved a yellow card when Livramento was left bleeding from the mouth. Yates led with his arm, so I don’t think it was a red, but it was reckless. The VAR, Tim Robinson, checked but didn’t intervene, as he would only step in for violent conduct worthy of a red.”
After the incident, Burn fouled Gibbs-White, collecting a yellow card that will sideline him for Newcastle’s next game. Yates received a booking later on, but he avoided a dismissal due to Taylor’s leniency.
**Improved Officiating for Forest This Season**
Overall, refereeing seems to have been better for Forest this season, possibly due to their improved standing in the league. Taylor made mistakes on Sunday, but they were fairly balanced for both teams.
James Perch noted that Yates was fortunate to avoid being sent off. Against recent opponents like Crystal Palace, Leicester, and West Ham, Forest encountered capable referees, showing that the “us vs. them” mindset may need to shift.
While officials may be inconsistent, clubs might be better off focusing on the game itself rather than the referees. Yates was lucky against Newcastle, and he could benefit from tempering his enthusiasm at times.