VAR and Anthony Taylor at it again: Nottingham Forest in match decision cause rampaging stir as Pundit question VAR stand that cost Forest 3 vital points.
It was a tough day for referee Anthony Taylor during Newcastle United’s 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Taylor faced criticism from both sets of fans, but the Newcastle supporters were especially frustrated by his decisions in a tense first half.
Taylor’s first error came when he missed a clear elbow from Ryan Yates to Tino Livramento’s head, despite being in a perfect position to see it. Just moments later, Forest went on the attack with Morgan Gibbs-White, who drew a foul from Dan Burn in midfield.
Burn received a booking for the tackle—his fifth of the season—leading to a one-game suspension. Meanwhile, Livramento had to leave the pitch to get treatment for a cut lip, leaving Newcastle temporarily down to 10 men as Forest took the free-kick in their half.
Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher voiced his frustration with the situation, saying, “The way the rule is set up at the moment, it needs to be reviewed. Livramento took a hit, should have had a free kick, but Forest get it instead, and Newcastle are down to 10 men. That rule needs to change; it’s nonsense.”
Yates narrowly avoided punishment again later in the first half after a high boot made contact with Sean Longstaff’s thigh. Had Longstaff gone down instead of playing on, Yates likely would have been penalized.
In the second half, Yates made a late challenge on Bruno Guimaraes, escaping any consequence once more. He finally received a yellow card in the 65th minute after his fourth incident of the game.
Forest fans were also frustrated when Burn avoided a second yellow after a forceful tackle on Jota during a Forest counter-attack. Though Taylor awarded the foul, he chose not to book Burn again, sparking anger among the home supporters.
Kevin Nolan commented on the situation for the BBC, saying, “Burn is a very lucky boy. He stopped the momentum of a counter while on a yellow. By the laws of the game, it’s a yellow. Taylor got that one wrong.”