Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match

Dyche described it as a 'bad day at the office' for the officials

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche voiced his anger at the officials over several "bizarre" decisions in his side's heartbreaking 2-1 loss by Manchester City.

The manager believed Rayan Cherki's 83rd-minute winner at the City Ground should have been ruled out for a foul on Morgan Gibbs-White prior to the shot.

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

"In my view, it was such a simple game to officiate, a very straightforward call for VAR," 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

Sitting just outside the bottom three, 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 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 pushed to the ground by Nico O'Reilly and stopped from blocking Cherki's strike.

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

"He is prevented from blocking as the ball passes through where he would have been. No matter the perspective, it's an infringement."

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?'.

"Everyone knows it would be. I am baffled. And then they go and score from the situation, which compounds the error.

"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

Ought Dias have been sent off?

Dyche was further angered about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.

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

Straight after the restart, Dias fouled Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was driving forward.

"The argument is it was accidental. But if that's an accidental foul when through on goal, it's a sending-off. So how can it be accidental yet not warrant a booking?" Dyche asked.

"It's absolutely perplexing to me. These are straightforward calls. Issue the second caution, that's all. 'Leave the pitch'. I am totally dumbfounded."

Jones gave Forest a free-kick but overlooked pleas by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a dismissal.

Louis Proctor

Elara is a passionate perfumer with over a decade of experience, dedicated to helping others find their signature scent through detailed reviews and aromatic insights.

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Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match

Should Cherki's winner have been ruled out?

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