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      Nottingham Forest updates — Premier League club demands VAR audio is released as points deduction appeal looms

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      NOTTINGHAM Forest have gone to war with the Premier League, FA and PGMOL.The Premier League club has issued a series of shocking reactions to their relegation six-pointer defeat to Everton.During the match, several decisions went against Forest, leading the club to demand VAR footage and audio be released to the public.The club went as far as to suggest VAR’s Stuart Attwell may have been biased against them.This comes as Forest’s appeal against their four-point punishment for breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR) will be heard tomorrow, Wednesday, 24 April.Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Premier league’s statement
      The Prem issued its own statement, saying it was “extremely disappointed” with Forest’s comments.
      They added: “It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”
      Forest could be charged under Prem Rules B.15 and B.16.
      Copy linkCopiedForest make demands
      Nottingham Forest have made their demand for the audio recordings of conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor to be played out on TV.
      A club spokesman said: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park. 
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”
      Copy linkCopiedWebb insistent the claim that he was asked to take Attwell OFF the match is untrue
      Forest remain furious over the three penalty decisions that went against them in the relegation six-pointer while  Webb is insistent the central claim that he was asked to take Attwell OFF the match is simply untrue.
      Webb’s position is that, while he did receive a call from Clattenburg on Friday, it was to inform him that Forest thought Espirito Santo might be asked about Attwell’s appointment as VAR in his pre-match news conference.
      Managers and players have been warned that ANY pre-match comments about officials is an offence, although the question was then not asked.
      But Webb is adamant that Clattenburg categorically did not ask for the appointment to be changed and that Forest said they had no problem with it.
      Copy linkCopiedHow much are clubs allowed to lose under PSR?
      Clubs who are in the Prem for three seasons are limited to “allowable losses” – after calculations including the “amortisation” of transfer fees, stadium building and Covid-related expenditure are taken out – of £105m over three seasons.
      As Forest only had one top flight campaign, their limit was £61m.
      Forest, the Premier League argues, made losses greater than that number.
      Copy linkCopiedHow many points were Everton docked?
      Nottingham Forest aren’t the only Premier League side to be docked points this season.
      Everton were hit with a 10-point deduction earlier this season for breaching PSR.
      This was later reduced to six points.
      Copy linkCopiedCould Manchester City face a points deduction?
      Last February, Pep Guardiola’s team were hit with 115 allegations of breaching competition rules between 2009 and 2018 by the Premier League.
      The club denies all charges and has vowed to clear its name.
      These charges are far more complex than those levied at Everton and Forest.
      That means any punishment for the alleged rule breaches could take much longer to be announced.
      Copy linkCopiedAlan Shearer slams ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement in X-rated rant
      Alan Sheerer has taken aim at Nottingham Forest following their explosive Twitter statements.
      Slamming Forest’s complaints as “embarrassing”, Shearer told the Rest is Football podcast: “Honestly, before we go anywhere, let’s just say well done to Everton.
      “Very much like at the top of the table, at this stage of the season, it doesn’t matter how you play or what decisions you get, just get the three points, by hook or by crook. Everton got them and that’s all that matters.
      “But what the f*** are Forest doing putting that statement out? It’s an absolute embarrassment, isn’t it? ‘We told the PGMOL he was a Luton fan’. What on earth are they thinking about? It’s embarrassing.
      “I thought Anthony Taylor and Stuart Attwell had a terrible afternoon, but you can’t behave like that if you’re a top professional football club, one of the best, a team that has been amazing over the years, a European Cup and all of that.
      “Then behaving like that, there’s just no class to it. However angry you are, however upset you are, you cannot be putting statements out like that.”
      Credit: The Rest is Football
      Copy linkCopiedWhat has the Premier League said?
      The Premier League said it was “extremely disappointed” following Nottingham Forest’s explosive statements on Sunday and Monday.
      Writing on X, the league said: “The Premier League was extremely disappointed to read the comments made by Nottingham Forest on social media yesterday, following its match against Everton.
      “We note The FA has confirmed it will be investigating the club’s statement. It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”
      Copy linkCopiedWhat are Forest accused of?
      Nottingham Forest first admitted on December 31 when they filed their accounts for last season that they had breached the allowed Profitability and Sustainability limit.
      They finally admitted a breach of £34.536m.
      This breach has seen the side docked four points while in a crucial relegation battle.
      Copy linkCopiedGary Neville calls for Mark Clattenberg to resign
      Sky’s Gary Neville has demanded former Premier League ref Mark Clattenberg resign from his role as a consultant at Nottingham Forest.
      This comes after Forest shared a tweet slamming the Premier League for a series of decisions that went against them at Goodison Park this weekend.
      Neville said: “Mark Clattenberg must resign tonight.
      “If he saw those words go out in which question the integrity of a referee and claims someone is a cheat for supporting another club, then he’s supporting what is being said.
      “He would lose all credibility with referees in the game. He should stand down tonight and distance himself from that statement.
      “The statement is like a petulant child. It’s embarrassing.
      “Today has been a horrendous day for Nottingham Forest. Possibly horrendous because of the decisions that they’ve had, but horrendous for how they’ve reacted to the situation.
      “To mention the VAR official as being a Luton fan and inferring in some way that’s had an impact on the decision-making process and suggesting to me as a fan, thinking ‘has he cheated us’, you’re into really dangerous territory.”
      Copy linkCopiedPremier League demands explanation for Nuno’s comments
      The Premier League are demanding an explanation from Nottingham Forest regarding manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s comments after his team’s defeat to Everton.
      Espirito Santo’s interviews included him saying “it’s been clear what has been happening to us”  and suggesting “if we were in another country, we will start speaking about conspiracy.”
      In response, the FA said it had “formally requested observations” from Forest.
      Copy linkCopiedThe state of play
      Forest have four games to go and sit one point above the relegation zone.
      Here are the club’s remaining matches:

      Manchester City
      Sheffield United
      Chelsea
      Burnley

      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest ‘consider SUING Sky’ after Gary Neville made ‘mafia gang’ claim
      Nottingham Forest are reportedly considering “suing” Sky after Gary Neville hit out at the club on live TV.
      In response to Forest’s recent statement, Neville said: “It’s like a mafia-gang statement. I mean, honestly, what the hell are they playing at? It’s like a petulant child, it’s embarrassing.
      “And some of those things they’re saying in there, the suggestion of some sort of inferring of cheating because there’s an official in VAR in Stockley Park who’s a Luton fan is a scandal, and they will pay for that.”
      Now, according to the Mail, Forest are considering legal action.

      Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest’s statement
      A club spokesman said: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park. 
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”
      Copy linkCopiedPoints deduction appeal looms
      Looming in the background here is Nottingham Forest’s four-point deduction for alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
      The club’s appeal will be heard tomorrow, a moment that could make or break their season.
      Forest currently sit 17th, one point above the relegation zone.
      Copy linkCopiedThe claims from both sides…
      *Forest demands the public release of the conversations between ref Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell
      *The FA announced they wanted urgent explanations from Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco William and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg
      *Forest then repeated allegations that refs’ chief Howard Webb was asked to take Luton fan Attwell off VAR duties for Sunday’s contentious Goodison clash before suggesting their “fears of a sideshow” had come true
      *Prem chiefs then signalling they will bring their OWN charges against Forest for the incendiary outing of Attwell as a Hatters supporter and implying he was biased against them.
      Copy linkCopiedWhat have Forest said?
      Following a series of decisions that went against Nottingham Forest in a relegation six-pointer vs Everton, the club released an astonishing statement.
      It read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept. We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”
      Yesterday the club released a fresh statement which can be read below…
      Following yesterday’s match at Everton, NFFC issued a statement highlighting our concern at the perception of the PGMOL appointment of VAR for the game. This was an issue we raised with PGMOL prior to the fixture because of the fear of the side show that would ensue if anything…— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 22, 2024

      Copy linkCopiedForest go to war with the Premier League
      Nottingham Forest are locked in a feud with the Prem, the FA AND PGMOL.
      An astonishing day of claim and counter-claim over the fall-out from Sunday’s defeat at Everton saw the club demand VAR audio is released.
      This comes just hours before the league will hear the club’s appeal for alleged PSR breaches.
      Copy linkCopiedHow much are clubs allowed to lose under PSR?
      Clubs who are in the Prem for three seasons are limited to “allowable losses” – after calculations including the “amortisation” of transfer fees, stadium building and Covid-related expenditure are taken out – of £105m over three seasons.
      As Forest only had one top flight campaign, their limit was £61m.
      Forest, the Premier League argues, made losses greater than that number.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      ‘It looks like hard work but…’ – Bruno Fernandes slammed by ex-Man Utd title winner over deceptive aspect to play

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      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes has been branded “annoying” by club hero Lee Sharpe.Fernandes, 29, has worn United’s armband throughout a turbulent season that has seen Erik ten Hag’s men crash out of Europe and drift further away from the top four.Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been slammed by Lee SharpeCredit: GettySharpe criticised Fernandes’ antics and style of play which leaves his team-mates exposedCredit: GettyThe playmaker has often produced the goods in terms of workrate, goals and assists but has come under fire due to occasional tantrums that see him lashing out at his team-mates instead of instilling composure as skipper.Sharpe, 52, believes the Portugal international “lets himself down” as captain with that attitude.The ex-England international insists Fernandes “works hard” for the Red Devils but his game is “ill-disciplined” as his runs leave his team-mates exposed.Sharpe told BetVictor: “I have to say that Bruno Fernandes does annoy me. I’m not keen on him throwing himself around and throwing his arms in the air as the Manchester United captain. Read More on Man Utd”You have to keep your calm when others around you are losing their heads, but the hand waving, the gestures and the moaning is what I just don’t agree with at all. “You have to be a class above when you’re the captain of Manchester United and he lets himself down in that aspect.“He does work hard but I think he’s a bit ill-disciplined at times with his positional play. “Him running all over the place looks like hard work, but it leaves his team-mates exposed. He is hot and cold with me, parts of him are unbelievable but other parts I can take or leave.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He does have the ability to produce something out of nothing and his work rate is second to none, but he does still give the ball away cheaply in dangerous areas. “He tries to play the killer ball too often when he could just keep possession. Against Liverpool I think he touched the ball seven or eight times and gave it away every time. EXCLUSIVE: I felt full force of Fergie’s hairdryer at Man Utd… he told me to sell my house and leave during Liverpool horror show”I turned to my mate and said, ‘He’ll score a wondergoal now’, then sure enough he went and scored from his own half!”Bruno Fernandes should be embarrassed by this… United fans were, says Neil CustisBy Neil Custis
      BRUNO FERNANDES ended the FA Cup semi-final a man bemused as to what he had been a part of.
      No doubt knowing it would be he would have to try and explain it all again.
      Rarely have a team slunk away from this stadium with a feeling of embarrassment having just reach an FA Cup Final.
      The next time Fernandes turns up at the home of football he wants to be heading up those metal steps and picking up silverware.
      Nothing less will do for the captain of Manchester United.
      But he knows they have not got a hope of gaining revenge on this cross town rivals Manchester City if this is what they are going to deliver.
      This was an embarrassment, plain and simple, for Ten Hag, for Fernandes, for every player in red.
      After the skipper finished his TV interview he turned around to the end that had housed the United fans to clap them in thanks.
      There was barely anyone left.
      Read Neil Custis’ opinion in full here.
      Or click here to read all of Neil’s article. More

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      Arsenal cult hero, 32, in line for shock role at Olympic Games with Thierry Henry ready to call him up to France team

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      FORMER Arsenal Alexandre Lacazette is “on the list” to play a surprise role at the Olympic Games for Thierry Henry.Lacazette, 32, has been capped 16 times by France during his career and scored three times for his country.Thierry Henry could spring a few surprises with his French Olympic squadCredit: GettyLyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could be going for Olympic gold this summerCredit: APHowever, he has not represented Les Bleus for SEVEN YEARS – but that could change at Paris 2024.Lacazette left Arsenal for Lyon in 2022 and he has been in sensational form for them since with 42 goals in 60 matches in the top-flight.Despite his prowess, his team were in the relegation zone after 16 games this term until Pierre Sage took over as manager.But Lacazette has fired eight goals since the turn of 2024 as the strugglers climbed up the table.READ MORE ON ARSENALThat form could be about to land the hitman a shot at winning a gold medal for his country.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is the manager of France’s U21 side and will be in charge of the team that enter the Olympics this summer on home turf.He holds grand ambitions of being able to include Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud in his squad.And now Henry assistant, another ex-Arsenal ace in Gael Clichy, has told Telefoot that Lyon skipper Lacazette is also on the list.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe said: “I see that he has a lot of playing time, I see that he is decisive and above all I see that he is a captain. He is a part of this list.“Inevitably, there will be some surprises.”Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakLacazette spent five years playing in London for Arsenal and scored 71 goals in 206 games under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.He lifted the FA Cup in 2020 with the Gunners but returned to Lyon in 2022 after leaving them for the Emirates in 2017.The star recently admitted how he was left shocked by the lack of facilities for young footballers in England.He said: “One thing that surprised me in London: there is no ground where you can play football for free.”And he also hit back at those critics that claimed he has “finished”.Lacazette added: ““Many people thought I was finished.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They were saying that I wouldn’t succeed, that the club was making a mistake.“I wanted to show that Lyon were right in calling on me.”Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Liverpool target Ruben Amorim breaks silence after landing in London to hold shock talks over taking West Ham job

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      RUBEN AMORIM spoke for the first time after holding shock talks with West Ham.The Sporting Lisbon manager, 39, had been tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.Ruben Amorim broke his silence after holding talks with West HamCredit: GettyAmorim has put his club on the brink of the Portuguese league title, having already won it three years ago.And Liverpool were tipped to make a move after seeing first choice Xabi Alonso stay with Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen.However, it’s now emerged that Amorim is not in real contention for the Anfield hot seat.Instead, the tactician has now emerged as West Ham’s top target to replace David Moyes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Amorim jetted to London on Monday for talks with the Europa Conference League kings, with reports suggesting he is eager to take charge.He returned to Portugal in the small hours of Tuesday morning, with a crunch clash against rivals Porto on the horizon.Upon touching down, Amorim was immediately questioned about his talks with West Ham.He was also asked whether he would commit his future to Sporting, having led them to next month’s Portuguese Cup final too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut Amorim broke his silence with a three-word reply that gave little away.Referring to his next press conference, he laughed: “See you Saturday.”Watch awkward moment David Moyes ‘has a go’ at reporter as West Ham boss bristles at question about Jarrod BowenWho could replace Moyes at West Ham?Several big names are in the mix:

      Ruben Amorim (Sporting Lisbon)
      Paulo Fonseca (Lille)
      Christophe Galtier (Al-Duhail)
      Julen Lopetegui
      Hansi Flick

      Should Amorim take charge at the London Stadium, he would usher in a major change of style.He prefers to play a fluid 3-4-3 system, which features a midfield diamond with wing-backs and wide forwards tucked in closer to the striker.It could see stars like Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Emerson thrive, with Mohamed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen also sure to shine.But Amorim may need to dip into the market for a new centre-back and right wing-back, as well as a powerful striker in the mould of his 36-goal Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres.Ruben Amorim’s career statsPlaying career:

      Belenenses, 2003-2008: 106 games, 5 goals

      Benfica, 2008-2015: 154 games, 6 goals

      Braga (loan), 2011-2013: 46 games, 5 goals

      Al Wakrah, 2015-2016: 14 goals, 2 games

      Portugal, 2010-2014: 14 games, 0 goals

      Trophies: Portuguese Cup (Braga); Primeira Liga x3, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese League Cup x5, Portuguese Super Cup (Benfica)

      Managerial stats:

      Casa Pia, 2018-2019: P4 W3 D0 L1

      Braga, 2019-2020: P13 W10 D1 L2

      Sporting, 2020-2024: P218 W155 D32 L31

      Trophies: Portuguese Cup (Braga); Primeira Liga, Portuguese Cup x2, Portuguese Super Cup (Benfica) More

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      Jose Mourinho names two key factors that cost him his job at Man Utd and admits he ‘left sad’

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      JOSE MOURINHO believes a lack of trust from the top denied him more success with Manchester United.Mourinho spent two-and-a-half years in the Old Trafford hotseat winning two trophies, reaching an FA Cup final and finishing second in the league.Jose Mourinho has revealed the two reasons he believes are to blame for his Man Utd exitCredit: ReutersBut he left United in acrimonious circumstances in December 2018 believing he had not been backed properly in the transfer mark that previous summer by then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Mourinho said: “My relationship with Ed Woodward was good – good as in the personal point of view.”But from a professional point of view it was not the best.”I am who I am. I am a football man. Ed comes from a different background and what Ten Hag has in his time at Manchester United I didn’t have. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I didn’t have that level of support. I didn’t have that level of trust.”So I left sad, because I felt I was in the beginning of the process.”In some moments, I felt if they trusted me and believed in my experience things could be different.”Despite his complaints, Mourinho still spent £355million in his time charge at United.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERJose Mourinho’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Benfica, 2000: P11 W6 D3 L2

      Uniao de Leiria, 2001-2002: P23 W12 D8 L3

      Porto, 2002-2004: P127 W91 D21 L15

      Chelsea, 2004-2007: P185 W124 D40 L21

      Inter Milan, 2008-2010: P108 W67 D26 L15

      Real Madrid, 2010-2013: P178 W128 D28 L22

      Chelsea, 2013-2015: P136 W80 D29 L27

      Man Utd, 2016-2018: P144 W84 D32 L28

      Tottenham, 2019-2021: P86 W44 D19 L23

      Roma, 2021-2024: P138 W68 D31 L39

      Trophies: Premeira Liga x2, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese Super Cup, Champions League, Uefa Cup (Porto); Premier League x3, FA Cup, Carabao Cup x3, Community Shield (Chelsea); Serie A x2, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League (Inter Milan); La Liga, Spanish Cup, Spanish Super Cup (Real Madrid); Carabao Cup, Community Shield, Europa League (Man Utd); Europa Conference League (Roma)

      But it was the players he wanted shifted out that he believes remain a problem.He said: “There are a couple of players still there I didn’t want five or six years ago.Jose Mourinho waves chequered flag at Portuguese GP as ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss drops huge hint about football return”I think they represent a little bit what I consider not the best professional profile to a club of a certain dimension.”But I did my job there. Time always tells the truth. I would love Manchester United to succeed.”I’ve covered Man Utd for 25 years – that win over Coventry was biggest ever embarrassmentBy Neil Custis
      The win over Coventry was an embarrassment for Manchester United supporters, and one that will be felt for some time.
      In my 25 years covering the club, this was the biggest.
      Forget a 6-1 defeat at home to Manchester City, an aberration, this was the denouement of a long and sorry chapter in the club’s history.
      Fans briefly celebrated Rasmus Hojlund’s winning penalty in the shootout only because they felt they should.
      There was no such delight on the pitch, apart from the penalty taker and that clown Antony who had come on with the side well in control at 3-0.
      It was no coincidence they went into reverse when he imparted his questionable attributes on proceedings.
      Indeed his cupping of the ears to the Coventry players when Hojlund landed that final cruel blow, only added to the feelings of unease.
      Read Neil Custis’ full view on United’s Wembley shambles here.
      For more from Neil Custis click here. More

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      Nottingham Forest ‘consider SUING Sky’ after Gary Neville made ‘mafia gang’ comment live on TV

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST are considering suing Sky over comments made by Gary Neville, according to reports.It comes after Neville slammed the club for their statement criticising the PGMOL in the wake of their 2-0 defeat to Everton.Nottingham Forest are considering suing Sky over comments made by Gary NevilleForest were critical of the fact they were denied three penalties by referee Anthony Taylor, with VAR Stuart Attwell deciding not to advise the ref to review the incidents on the VAR monitor.Neville likened the statement to something a mafia gang would put out, and Forest are now considering legal action against Sky according to the Daily Mail.In response to Forest’s statement, Neville said: “It’s like a mafia-gang statement. I mean, honestly, what the hell are they playing at? It’s like a petulant child, it’s embarrassing. “And some of those things they’re saying in there, the suggestion of some sort of inferring of cheating because there’s an official in VAR in Stockley Park who’s a Luton fan is a scandal, and they will pay for that.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForest have also requested PGMOL release the audio of the three penalty incidents, with the club’s referee analyst Mark Clattenburg describing the calls as “mindboggling”.Clattenburg is reported to have spoken to PGMOL chief Howard Webb last Friday to share his concern about VAR Attwell being a Luton fan.Webb denied a request for the VAR to be changed, leading Forest to air their grievances after Sunday’s defeat publicly.A tweet from the club read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.Most read in FootballWhat have Nottingham Forest said?

      After the final whistle against Everton, Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account tweeted: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
      “We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.
      “NFFC will now consider its options.”
      Today the club revealed they have requested the PGMOL release the audio recordings between officials during the match.
      A statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”Nottingham Forest’s behaviour could lead to the FA dishing out a fine as the organisation and the Premier League are set to open investigations into the matter.A Premier League statement read: “It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statement More

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      Chelsea are ‘horrible’ and ’embarrassing’ and the ‘players think they’re better than they are’, fumes club legend

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      RUUD GULLIT has slammed “horrible” and “embarrassing” Chelsea and claimed: “The players think they are better than they actually are.”Gullit began Chelsea’s glory era with an FA Cup triumph in 1997 – making him the first foreign boss to lift the trophy.Ruud Gullit claims Chelsea are a ‘mess’Credit: GettyThe Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat to Man City in the semi-final of the FA Cup at the weekendCredit: AlamyBut the Dutch legend was left stunned and outraged by last week’s antics by Mauricio Pochettino’s team, both in their win over Everton and the Wembley semi-final defeat by a “f*****” Manchester City.Gullit said: “When I watch this Chelsea, it is not going to work.“They signed too many players and it is a mess.“When you bring in so many new players like that, it’s almost impossible.Read More on Chelsea“But Pochettino knew this was the case when he took the job. So he has to take responsibility for that.“Do I blame him? No. But he is responsible for it.”Gullit, a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, added: “There really is a lack of quality.“You see that in the important moments, when the pressure is on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

      CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
      CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires it down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
      CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
      CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”.

      “Then they can’t pass the ball quickly enough, taking an extra touch every time, so that it’s too late when they finally play the pass.“Too often, they don’t seem to see the danger from the opponents. You have to see them coming and make that pass early.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man City“But if you keep on taking the extra touch, that chance is gone – and that is a lack of quality.“If there was a moment when they could beat City, it was on Saturday, because you could see they were f*****, they were gone.“They were making mistakes they wouldn’t normally make because they were tired.“And if you are Chelsea and you can’t take advantage of that – my God! It was horrible.”Gullit was dismayed by Mykhailo Mudryk’s overshot free kick deep into stoppage time, asking: “How was it possible he could do it that badly?“Of course it p***** off the Chelsea fans. And I think you have to name it as it is, to tell the truth.“Because if you go around it and make excuses, that’s no good. You have to say it’s a lack of quality and and then they know it.“They can be p***** off with it but this is what people think. Then they can work on it. They can do something about it.“So that was bad enough but it was off the back of what we saw in the Everton game, the fight over the penalty.“It was like watching kids, children. In a proper team that doesn’t happen. It’s embarrassing.For Pochettino it’s embarrassing. For the board, it’s embarrassing.“Can you imagine me having a fight with Marco van Basten, on the pitch? That’s crazy? Or someone at United having a fight with Roy Keane?READ MORE SUN STORIES“What are you doing? Ridiculous.“And they ALL think they are better than they are. And that’s the worst thing of all. They have too many players who think they are better than they really are.”Gullit played for Chelsea and is a real cult hero at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd set to hand debut to wonderkid before end of season after he recovers from injury ’caused by growth spurt’

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      TOP kid Shea Lacey is set to get a game at Manchester United by the end of the season.Winger Lacey has been training with the first team after an injury caused by a growth spurt and is pencilled in for a debut in the run-in.Shea Lacey is set to make his Manchester United debut before the end of the seasonCredit: GettyLacey, who just turned 17, signed a lucrative deal at United this season and chose the club over Liverpool as a pup.The teenager has penned a five-year contract after agreeing to professional terms with the Red Devils.His commitment to the club has been hailed by fans, who are excited to see Lacey break into the first-team.Footage of the winger in youth team action has even seen him dubbed the club’s “answer to Lionel Messi” by supporters.READ MORE IN SPORTLacey has been starring for United’s under-18 side, as well as making three appearances in the Uefa Youth League.Playing predominantly on the right wing, the youngster has scored two goals and added three assists in seven under-18 Premier League appearances this season.He has yet to make one of Erik ten Hag’s matchday squads, though, but has been training with the senior side.Ten Hag has already handed debuts to fellow teenagers Willy Kambwala, Daniel Gore and Omari Forson this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      At international level, Lacey has represented England up to the under-17s, scoring three goals in five caps.However, he could also go onto represent the Republic of Ireland in the future.Bruno Fernandes reveals Man Utd legend Darren Fletcher inspired FA Cup final qualification with powerful speech More