Here’s the latest Nottingham Forest news on Thursday, 15 February, 2023.
Premier League’s damning VAR statement
The Premier League has issued a hard-hitting statement blasting the contentious decision-making in the latest round of matches.
VAR official Lee Mason failed to spot an offside in the build-up to Brentford’s equalising goal away to Arsenal last Saturday. As a result, he has been stood down from duty for this weekend’s matches. Mason was the same official who controversially failed to urge on-field referee Andre Marriner to review three Nottingham Forest penalty appeals in a 2-2 draw against Brentford in November.
Meanwhile, John Brooks was replaced as VAR for Monday night’s Merseyside derby and tonight’s top-of-the-table clash between Arsenal and Manchester City after he wrongly disallowed a goal for Brighton against Crystal Palace.
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Lewis O’Brien update
Blackburn Rovers remain in "dialogue" with the EFL over their attempts to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, according to our sister title LancsLive.
Their attempts to sign O'Brien on loan were blocked after some paperwork was filed after the 11pm cut-off on transfer deadline day on January 31. After the move seemingly failed, they launched an appeal to the EFL.
The league have now responded to the appeal, asking for more information, and the parties are now in talks over the situation. They are said to be looking for a solution.
Forest loanee makes big impact
Nottingham Forest midfielder Tyrese Fornah admitted he couldn't hold back the tears after heading a last-gasp winner for Reading in the Championship.
The Royals trailed 1-0 at home to Rotherham United in Tuesday’s Championship clash, prompting manager Paul Ince to make a double change at half-time. One of those changes saw Fornah, who is on a season-long loan from Forest, brought on.
And it was Fornah who popped up with the winner in the 90th minute, heading home a knockdown from Andy Carroll, who had scored the leveller early in the half. It was only Fornah’s second senior goal and its importance left the 23-year-old feeling emotional at the end of the game.
Defensive crisis
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is down to just two fit senior centre-backs for the upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City, with the club handed a double injury blow.
Both Scott McKenna and Willy Boly were taken off in the opening stages of the 2-0 loss against Fulham at the weekend, with both centre-backs suffering injuries. They were replaced by new signing Filipe and Joe Worrall .
The extent of the injuries to the two centre-backs have now been reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy . It is said that Boly will be out for up to three months, and McKenna for six to eight weeks after both suffered hamstring injuries with the duo undergoing scans this week.
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