Dyche 'stunned' by 'bizarre' VAR calls in 'easy' game to officiate
It was a 'bad day at the office' for match officials - Dyche
Forest's head coach Sean Dyche voiced his anger at the officials over a series of "bizarre" decisions in his side's late 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.
Dyche was convinced that Rayan Cherki's late winner at the City Ground deserved to be ruled out for a push on Morgan Gibbs-White prior to the shot.
He additionally argued that referee Rob Jones ought to have shown City defender Ruben Dias a second yellow card in the second half.
"It was, to my mind, an incredibly easy match to ref and a clear-cut decision for the video assistant," Dyche said.
"When you played so well, to come in and have to talk about officials affecting the game - but they clearly did.
"It was plain for all in attendance and all television audiences to see."
Was Cherki's winning goal legitimate?
Dyche has secured four victories from nine league matches since taking over at Forest
Positioned precariously above the drop zone, a point against an high-flying City side would have moved Forest a more comfortable six points ahead from the relegation places.
But Cherki shattered their aspirations as he fired in a half-volley, drilling the ball from the edge of the box through the legs of Gibbs-White.
Forest players were quick to complain to referee Jones, contending that Gibbs-White had been knocked over by Nico O'Reilly and unable to blocking Cherki's strike.
"Morgan Gibbs-White quite clearly gets pushed to the floor and the same player is involved in blocking the ball," Dyche commented.
"However, he's unable to make the block because the ball travels through the space his body would have occupied. From any angle, it's a foul."
The VAR reviewed the incident, but ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand.
Dyche went on: "Their defense may be, 'The ball was elsewhere'. But then you ask, 'If you foul a goalkeeper when the ball is not close, would that be given?'.
"It's universally understood to be a foul. I am perplexed. To then concede from that sequence is a real double blow.
"I fully endorse VAR technology - I am at a loss to explain how such a clear error was made."
Gibbs-White complained to referee Jones that he had been fouled in the build-up to City's late goal
Should Dias have seen red?
Dyche was also unhappy about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.
The Portugal defender received a first yellow card for dissent in the first half, complaining about a decision against him following his challenge on Igor Jesus.
Straight after the restart, Dias fouled Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was advancing with the ball.
"The argument is it was accidental. But if that's an accidental foul when through on goal, it's a sending-off. So how can it be accidental yet not warrant a booking?" Dyche said.
"I just find it bizarre, I really do. And I think these are easy things. Just give him a second yellow, that's it. 'Off you go'. I'm absolutely stunned."
Jones gave Forest a free-kick but ignored calls by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a dismissal.
