Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Abbott

Nottingham Forest ace involved in new VAR controversy

Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson has been caught up in a VAR controversy after scoring his first senior goal for Wales.

A second-half substitute, the 21-year-old needed just 13 minutes to equalise for hosts Wales against Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium, cancelling out Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans' opener after replacing Gareth Bale. However, the goal didn't come without a degree of controversy.

After being found by reported Forest transfer target Neco Williams, former Reds loanee Aaron Ramsey controlled the ball on the stretch before pirouetting and flicking it through to Johnson in one movement. The Wales number nine finished first time past Koen Casteels, but the flag was raised by the linesman.

READ: Nottingham Forest star sent Premier League message after Wales goal vs Belgium

READ: Johnson forces 'difficult decision' for Wales manager after World Cup and promotion success

A goal review followed by video assistant referee Benoît Millot, who allowed Johnson's strike to stand despite it appearing the Reds youngster was offside. And that decision left Belgium boss Roberto Martinez incensed.

"It's gone a bit mad," former Everton manager Martinez told Wales Online. "We need an explanation from the VAR committee on how the system works. We've had two points taken away from us.

"I expect an explanation from high up, from FIFA, from UEFA, ahead of the World Cup. The lines used to determine whether a player is offside don't work. It's comical.

"I don't know whether we need a 3D system. We are in a multi-million pound industry. The linesman made a good decision and was overruled by a faulty system."

Is the VAR system working? Have your say in the comments section...

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.