‘We simply cannot accept’ – BBC fire cheeky dig at Nottingham Forest over bizarre VAR blast as statement released
BBC SPORT TEESIDE mocked Nottingham Forest’s astonishing VAR statement following Middlesbrough’s defeat to Leeds on Monday night.
Boro‘s play-off hopes were ended by Daniel Farke’s side at the Riverside Stadium as Leeds moved back into second place with a 4-2 win in the North East.
However, the home side were left feeling aggrieved at the second and third goals they conceded as there was a suspicion of offside in both.
And while the game was still going on, BBC Sport Teeside aped the style of Forest’s tweet from Sunday by insisting they are decisions they “cannot accept” and that they “will now consider its options”.
Their post read: “Two extremely poor offside decisions – which we simply cannot accept.
“Maddo [academy ambassador and player welfare officer at Boro] warned the PGMOL that the lino is a Leeds fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.
“BBC Tees Sport will now consider its options.”
It comes after Forest received a huge backlash over their club statement following a 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side felt they should have been awarded three penalties during their relegation six-pointer at Goodison Park on the weekend.
Hitting back at the officiating, in particular VAR Stuart Attwell, they said: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
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.”
“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.”
They then released a further statement on Monday calling on the audio recordings from the VAR room to be released.
Gary Neville likened the first statement to something a “mafia gang” would put out, describing it as “embarrassing” and “a scandal”.
Reports have since emerged that Forest are considering SUING Sky Sports over the comments.
Meanwhile, the FA have announced they want urgent explanations from Nuno, Neco Williams and ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg – now an employee of Forest.