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      As major competition refuses to introduce VAR, the question is: ‘Is it all worth the trouble?’

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      ONE MINUTE young fans were jumping up and down, flinging their arms wide.Next, they were in tears. And so were their dads. Not so much Sky Blues as the deepest blues.VAR denied Coventry a sensational late winner against Manchester UnitedThat’s what VAR can do. And did to Coventry City whose FA Cup final dreams were soon to be dust after the decision that Victor Torp’s goal against Manchester United a minute before the end of extra-time was an illusion.It was a toenail short of the truth, ruled VAR advisers. The line they use showed Torp was fractionally offside.The linesman hadn’t flagged, but no matter because he’s practically redundant since his job was re-named assistant referee.Soon those joyful moments of promise had become poison as United won in the penalty shoot-out and every viewer, bar United fans, had to wonder again about VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor many of us it is menacing the magic of our game.Forest people are going ape against it, maybe because they sense football is becoming the pen pusher’s revenge on human judgement.Wolves might have agreed a few weeks ago when a headed goal from five or six yards was disallowed because a team-mate was blocking the West Ham goalkeeper’s vision.But the truth is we have all had marginal, or worse, just plain wrong VAR decisions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      It was interesting to note this week Sweden became the first European country to reject the chance to introduce VAR in its top flight.It’s futile to boo a few blokes peering into monitors and advising the ref often three or even four minutes after a controversial incident.Mike Dean lost for words live on Sky Sports after VAR mix up for ‘stonewall’ penalty during Premier League clashIndeed, these delays drain the drama and excitement from football and might in themselves be enough to warrant sacking the whole system. Overall, they can add as much as ten minutes to a match.I resisted a few boos — not done in the House of Lord’s never mind the directors’ box at Stamford Bridge — when Maxwel Cornet’s goal for the Hammers was disallowed for a foul on Edouard Mendy.The ref’s poor decision was supported by VAR and Chelsea won 2-1 soon after.It may surprise us that VAR staff are human but John Brooks proved it when he drew the line between Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan and a defender and declared the Ecuadorian was offside.Whoops! Wrong defender. Brighton suffered a 1-1 draw with friends from Palace.A Premier League check concluded over four years VAR support to refs improved their performance by 14 per cent to 96 per cent correct.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s possible to argue with those figures on several grounds but fans’ question is simply: Is VAR worth all the friction?My stance is ‘yes’ on line decisions alone. But not for much else. More

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      Why VAR line for Everton’s goal against Liverpool was ‘wonky’ and goal may not have stood next season

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      EVERTON’S opening goal against Liverpool last night may have been disallowed under new rules coming in next season.Jarrad Branthwaite netted the Toffees opener after 27 minutes to send them on their way to a first win over Liverpool at Goodison Park in 14 years.Jarrad Branthwaite set Everton on their way to a historic win over LiverpoolCredit: GettyBranthwaite was judged to be onside despite a ‘wonky’ VAR lineIt has also been revealed the use of semi-automated offside technology could have changed the VAR call next seasonCredit: ReutersThe win and three vital points saw Sean Dyche’s side all-but confirm their Premier League safety and severely cripple Liverpool’s title hunt.Branthwaite’s goal had to go through a VAR check before it was confirmed.However, it has been revealed that next season the decision may have gone the other way.This is because of the introduction of semi-automated offside technology.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPremier League clubs rejected it’s implementation at the start of the season before voting it into use for the 2024/25 season – though clubs have been blasted because it will not be ready from the start of the campaign.ESPN reporter Dale Johnson explained: “Everton’s goal was onside as Jarrad Branthwaite was within the tolerance level of the current offside technology.What is semi-automated offside technology?Semi-automated offside technology is a support tool for the video match officials and on-field officials.
      According to FIFA, it helps them make ‘’faster, more reproducible, and more accurate offside decisions’’.
      Semi-automated offside technology uses 12 tracking cameras mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player – calculating their exact position on the pitch, plus a chip in the ball to determine if it was played by a defender or attacker.
      So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
      Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
      Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in an average of 25 seconds.
      That illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
      However, complex incidents or multiple incidents that occur at the same time can require a more thorough review of the situation.

      “Next season with the introduction of semi-automated technology, which has no tolerance level, it may well be disallowed.”Eagle-eyed fans were able to notice a second controversy, this time involving the lines drawn by VAR officials when checking the goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe lines drawn when checking the goal were “wonky” due to the “severe camber” of the Goodison Park pitch.Johnson explained: “Goodison Park has quite a severe camber, which means the line often looks a little weird because the tech is mapped to the pitch. How semi-automated offside technology will work when it is used at Qatar World Cup “If viewed from above the line would be completely straight.”Dominic Calvert-Lewin powered home a header in the second half to put the icing on the cake as Jurgen Klopp’s side missed a catalogue of chances to score.Reds icon Jamie Carragher said after the game: “This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end.”Tonight is Everton’s night, you have to take it on the chin.”They played into Everton’s hands. The way Liverpool started was really naive, poor, giving silly fouls away.”They got into the game but the chance (Darwin) Nunez misses before half time is unforgivable at this level. That’s not acceptable at this level.”Meanwhile, Liverpool have been linked with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as the successor to Klopp.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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      Vincent Kompany’s X-rated rant at referee revealed as Burnley boss raged with penalty awarded to Chelsea in 2-2 draw

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      VINCENT KOMPANY launched into a foul-mouthed tirade after Darren England gave Chelsea a penalty.The Burnley boss, 38, was seething at the referee after Cole Palmer opened the scoring from the spot.Vincent Kompany was sent off by Darren EnglandCredit: PALorenz Assignon also saw a red cardCredit: ReutersTempers flared after England awarded the spot kick for Lorenz Assignon’s foul on Mykhailo Mudryk.Assignon had already been booked, meaning the Clarets had to fight back from a goal down with 10 men.And it has been revealed that Kompany branded England “a f*****g cheat”.The furious Belgian, who was fined £10,000 and handed a two-game touchline ban, repeated the phrase “multiple times” after being sent off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs reported by the Daily Mail, assistant referee James Bell said: “Following the award of a penalty to Chelsea in the 40th minute the Burnley Manager (Vincent Kompany) reacted angrily by moving out of his technical area throwing his arms aggressively and shouting at the referee. “As the decision was being checked I attempted to use members of his own technical area staff to calm him down but Mr Kompany persisted to insult the referee by pointing towards him and calling him ‘a f*****g cheat’ numerous times. “Despite the attempts to calm him down Mr Kompany then entered the field of play, briefly, again gesturing towards the referee and shouting ‘you’re a f****** cheat.’ “I informed the referee (Darren England) that a Stage 2 (red card) sanction was required for the Burnley manager. As Darren came over to issue the red card Mr Kompany again said, ‘f*****g cheat.’ Most read in Football”After his sending off Mr Kompany remained in the technical area for some time causing a delay to the re-start of the game before he eventually made his way down the tunnel.”Kompany admitted the charge and attended the hearing to apologise for his actions.Burnley supported him in a statement, which claimed: “Retaining Premier League status is our highest priority at the moment in order to safeguard a more robust future for our players and staff at every level of the club.”Whilst we do not want to make excuses for the language used, it is certain that the intense pressure which Mr Kompany is under at this point in the season will have contributed to his outburst at Mr England after the decisions he made following Lorenz’s tackle.”Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseImmediately after the game, Kompany said: “I’ll keep saying what I think.”I’m not shying away from it and I’ve said it to the referees themselves, the officials, refereeing hasn’t been good enough this season.”And I have said that in, I think, a constructive way, understanding as well the fact it’s not easy for them. The scrutiny is massive, the pressure is bigger than it’s ever been on the officials.”I think the addition of VAR and more opinions and more officials doesn’t make it easy for them to do their jobs.”I haven’t got any issues with being fined. I just want it to be right.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Nottingham Forest WILL be allowed to listen to VAR audio after furious statement – and it could be shown on TV

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST will be offered a chance to listen to the VAR exchanges held during their defeat to Everton.But the recordings will not be aired publicly before next week at the earliest.Nottingham Forest were left furious with some VAR decisions against EvertonCredit: AlamyThe club released a furious statement after the matchCredit: GettyFurious Forest face a welter of FA and Prem charges after inferring that VAR Stuart Attwell might have been biased by his support of  relegation rivals Luton.They demanded on Monday that the recordings be “released into the public domain”.The club were raging  over three denied penalty claims, all involving Everton’s former England defender Ashley Young.Forest called the referring decisions “extremely poor” on their social media.Read More on FootballThe furore relates to Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna, his ‘handball’ and his tackle on Callum Hudson-Odoi.But while PGMOL bosses are ready to let Forest listen to the tapes of the conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor, that would only be in a private setting and not generally broadcast.That is in line with standard procedure, with clubs having the right to ask for the recordings as long as they respect the confidentiality of the process.However, it is likely that refs’ chief Howard Webb WILL address the issues in the  looming edition of the Match Officials Mic’d Up magazine show, which explains and clarifies contentious calls.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWebb is scheduled to record the  programme at the start of next week before it is broadcast on Tuesday,  giving him the opportunity to put PGMOL’s case or admit to an error by either Taylor or Attwell.Whether the offer will be accepted by Forest is unclear.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’They had argued: “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.”Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, defender Neco Williams and former Prem official Mark Clattenburg — the club’s ‘referee analyst’ — have until tomorrow  to respond to the FA demand for their “observations” over post-match comments on Sunday.The club and the three individuals face charges and heavy fines, while the Prem is also ready to file a charge that alleges Forest breached their undertaking to act in “utmost good faith”.David Coote, a Notts County supporter, has been put in charge of Luton’s visit to Wolves this Saturday.What 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.”
      On Monday 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.”

      That decision has also angered fans of Forest, who sit just one point and one place in the table ahead of rivals Luton.Despite the controversy at Everton, Attwell has been given Uefa’s stamp of approval  by being named on VAR duty for the Euros while Taylor is chosen as a pitch ref.Attwell is one of two English officials on booth duties at the tournament, which kicks off in Munich on June 15.He and Coote will be based at the tournament hub in Leipzig, while Michael Oliver and Taylor have both been selected to take charge of matches.They are among the 18 whistlers selected by Uefa for the Euros.And despite the continued criticism of officiating standards in the Premier League, England is one of just four countries with more than one referee selected.France, Germany and Italy  have two whistlers, while others  include Poland’s Szymon Marciniak — praised for refereeing the 2022 World Cup final.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver will work with assistants Stuart Burt and Dan Cook, while Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn complete Taylor’s team.Oliver and Taylor officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as well as at Euro 2020. More

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      Nottingham Forest fans fuming as they spot rival-supporting ref’s next two Premier League fixtures

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST fans have hit out at the PGMOL again over their refereeing appointments.The club were controversially denied three penalties in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Everton.Nottingham Forest were controversially denied three spot-kicks against EvertonCredit: GettyForest owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to be unhappy with decisions going against his clubCredit: PADavid Coote is at the centre of Forest fans latest grievanceCredit: GettyAfter the match, Forest put out a bombshell statement that slammed the choice to put referee and Luton fan Stuart Attwell on VAR for the game amid both side’s battle to avoid relegation.They are demanding the release of the conversation Attwell had with on-field official Anthony Taylor that led to the calls.Meanwhile, the club have been slammed by pundits like Alan Shearer and Gary Neville.And the FA and Premier League are threatening to take action over the statement and reaction from boss Nuno Espirito Santo, player Neco Williams and their ref consultant Mark Clattenburg. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the latest episode of the saga, some Forest fans are AGAIN fuming over ref appointments for approaching matches.Despite the fans’ gripes there is no reason to suspect bias or wrongdoing by any official.David Coote, who is from Nottinghamshire, is a fan of Forest’s city rivals Notts County.This has been confirmed by the PGMOL after incorrect rumours spread that he was a Manchester United supporter last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCoote will be on VAR in tomorrow’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool.And on Saturday, he is the man with the whistle as Luton travel to Wolves.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’Forest supporters have slammed the decision from the PGMOL and their chief Howard Webb.One said: “David Coote, a Notts County fan that is not allowed to referee any games involving Nottingham Forest is in charge of Luton’s trip to Wolves on Saturday. The PGMOL are rattling Forest fans.”Due to him belonging to the Nottinghamshire FA, Coote is not allowed to take charge of Forest matches.However, no rules stop him from working in games that involve teams who are positioned close to them in the table.With four fixtures remaining this season, Luton occupy a relegation spot in 18th on 25 points.Forest are above them by a point and Everton are five clear of the drop zone.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, it was revealed today that Prem refs Taylor and Michael Oliver have been selected for this summer’s Euros.And they will be joined by Coote and Attwell from the VAR hub. More

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      Stuart Attwell chosen for Euro 2024 VAR duty as Nottingham Forest suffer further humiliation after bizarre statement

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      STUART ATTWELL has been chosen for VAR duty at Euro 2024 this summer.The referee is currently under scrutiny following Nottingham Forest’s defeat at Everton on Sunday.Stuart Attwell has been selected for VAR duty at this summer’s EurosCredit: PAAshley Young was at the centre of all three penalty decisionsCredit: GettyHe brought down Callum Hudson-Odoi in the box in one incidentCredit: ReutersThe official was working on VAR and the relegation club claimed that they were denied three clear penalties.One was for a possible handball on Ashley Young, while the other two incidents also involved the former Manchester United star.In the first half, he clipped Giovanni Reyna in the box, and in the second half, he hauled down Callum Hudson-Odoi.As a response, Nottingham Forest released a statement slamming his appointment for the match as a “Luton fan”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey have since demanded that the conversations between referee Antony Taylor and Attwell be made public.While the FA have announced that they want urgent explanations from manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco Williams and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg.Despite the ongoing feud, Attwell will be in Germany this summer for the Euros.He and fellow Brit David Coote have both been selected for VAR duty for the tournament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAttwell and Coote could be set for big paydays after the competitions, with a reported £2,600 being paid per match.Referee at Goodison Park Taylor and Michael Oliver will also be heading to mainland Europe as two of the 18 selected referees.Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statementForest have faced lots of criticism for the statements following the controversial decisions.Alan Shearer, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have all gone against the club and claimed it to be “embarrassing”.Neville went as far as to say that Clattenburg should resign from his role at Forest.He also claimed that Forest’s statement was like a “mafia-gang” with the club now considering legal action against the pundit.What 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.”
      On Monday 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.” 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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      Nottingham Forest at WAR with Premier League and FA as they demand VAR audio is made public after incredible statement

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST are at war 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:Nottingham Forest were left furious after their loss to Everton on SundayCredit: Getty*Forest demand the public release of the conversations between ref Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell*The FA announce they wanted urgent explanations from Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco William and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg*Forest then repeating 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt left tension between the club and the authorities at boiling point with a series of statements issued cranking up the heat.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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut 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.Forest raised the temperature as they made their demand for the audio recordings of conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor to be played out on TV.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’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.”Young added another layer when he posted an image of Justin Timberlake’s 2002 song “Cry Me a River”, adding the caption “Old Skool Tunes for Today” accompanied by two winking face emojis.Soon after the Forest statement, the FA said it had “formally requested observations” from Forest, Espirito Santo, Williams and Clattenburg into their public comments.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” while Williams claimed:  “The top six teams will get decisions and we won’t.”Then the Prem issued its own statement, saying it was “extremely disappointed” with Forest’s comments and adding: “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.Forest have demanded the VAR audio from three incidents at Goodison ParkCredit: RexThey demand that club officials act “with utmost good faith” to the League and that every club must “conduct itself in an abusive, derogatory, insulting, intimidating or offensive manner towards any (other) Club or the League”.Yet that only sparked a further response from Forest who doubled down on Sunday’s initial post-match statement.The club said: “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 went wrong with officiating in the game.“That fear has materialised, as the correctness of three important decisions against the Club have been called into doubt.”Forest made a partial climbdown as the club added: “This is not about individuals but rather how the integrity of the game is seen.“We know match officials do not allow outside factors to influence their decision-making and that all referees are required to declare their ‘allegiances’ to PGMOL to avoid any perceived conflict or harm to the game’s reputation for integrity.“However, it is clear PGMOL must amend its rule on allegiances to account for contextual rivalries in the league table, not just local rivalries.“This is currently not within the criteria but should be. Mere reliance on match officials to recuse themselves if contextual rivalries exist invites conjecture, as some have recused themselves where others have not.”The FA want an explanation from Forest referee analyst Mark Clattenburg for his commentsCredit: PAWhile Attwell is a Luton fan, he, along with all over referees and officials must declare his club allegiance each season, meaning he will not be assigned to Hatters’ games or certain other matches involving direct local rivals.Even the affiliation of a referee’s family can be enough to prevent them being appointed to matches involving certain teams.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt has been noted, however, that Luton’s cause in terms of avoiding the drop would actually have been better served by the match at Goodison finishing as a draw, as it would have kept the Bedfordshire side close to both clubs at the foot of the table.And while Forest insisted the club  only wanted “greater transparency” over ref appointments and that, given a season of controversy “any move which boosts confidence in the system should be properly considered” the outcome is almost certain to be an extremely expensive one. More