Nottingham Forest have received an apology from the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) after the organisation admitted a significant refereeing error contributed to their 3-2 Premier League defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.
The controversy centred on Matheus Cunha’s second-half goal, which put United 2-1 ahead. Replays clearly showed United forward Bryan Mbuemo controlling the ball with his arm in the build-up.
Despite VAR advising referee Michael Salisbury to review the incident at the pitchside monitor, the Lancashire official controversially decided the handball was accidental, allowing the goal to stand.
It is understood that PGMO chief Howard Webb has since contacted Forest to concede that Salisbury should have overturned his initial decision, and he offered an apology for the mistake. The error proved costly for Forest, bringing an end to their impressive eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Referee Michael Salisbury stuck with his on-field decision after looking at his pitchside monitor (PA Wire)
The decision drew immediate and fierce criticism, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville expressing his disbelief during Sky Sports commentary.
"Oh my gosh, wow, I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way," Neville exclaimed. "That is ridiculous, the amount of time that has taken. The VAR has said to the referee, ‘This should be disallowed, he has handballed it, he’s controlled it with his arm and he has brought it into play’.
“The referee has gone over to the screen and overruled VAR. I cant believe what I have just seen, honestly. That is ridiculous. The VAR has been clear – the player has handballed it. He looked at it for three minutes and the referee has looked at it for another minute.
“I can’t believe what I have seen. That was handball. I don’t know what to say. We have to admire referees who stand by their decisions. That wasn’t the time to do it."
Following the match, Forest manager Vitor Pereira voiced widespread frustration regarding the ambiguity of the handball rule.
Forest boss Vitor Pereira wants more clarity over the handball rule in the Premier League (PA Wire)
"This is the doubt we have in the Premier League at the moment about these decisions," he stated. "We don’t know what is handball or not. (Set-pieces), we don’t know what is a free-kick or not.
“I think it’s important to have a meeting and try to understand the rules, the decisions. In this moment, all managers have doubts about these decisions."
