Nottingham Forest Fined Over Social Media Criticism Of VAR Official

Nottingham Forest has been fined £750,000 and warned over their future conduct after criticizing VAR official Stuart Attwell on social media last season.

Forest were left frustrated after not receiving three penalty calls during their 2-0 loss to Everton in April, as they fought to maintain their Premier League status.

At the time, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side was embroiled in a tense relegation fight with Everton, Luton, and several other teams

After the game, Forest posted on their official X account, “Three extremely poor decisions, three penalties not given, which we simply cannot accept.

“We warned the PGMOL that the VAR (Attwell) 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.”

Forest denied that their comments about Attwell brought the game into disrepute by “implying bias and/or questioning the integrity of match officials”.

But an independent regulatory commission found the Football Association charge proven on Friday.

In response, Forest announced their intention to appeal the sanction.

“Nottingham Forest Football Club is extremely disappointed with the decision of the Regulatory Commission to impose a £750,000 fine in relation to comments posted on social media following our Premier League fixture against Everton on Sunday 21 April,” a club statement said.

“We are particularly concerned that the FA, in its submissions, sought a sanction ‘in excess of £1,000,000’. We believe that this request, along with the subsequent fine, is wholly disproportionate and the club will be appealing the decision.”

Forest eventually finished 17th in the top flight last season, six points above third-bottom Luton, who were relegated along with Burnley and Sheffield United.

They currently occupy 10th place this season, having lost just once in their first seven league matches.