Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match

Forest's manager Sean Dyche expressed frustration with the officials over some "perplexing" decisions in his side's late 2-1 defeat by City.

The manager believed Rayan Cherki's 83rd-minute winner at the City Ground ought to have been ruled out for a push on Morgan Gibbs-White during the attacking phase.

He additionally argued that referee Rob Jones should have shown City defender Ruben Dias a dismissal in the second half.

"Such an easy game to referee, in my opinion, such an easy decision for VAR [video assistant referee]," Dyche said.

"After performing so admirably, to have to discuss match officials influencing the result is frustrating - yet they undeniably did.

"Everyone in the stadium and everyone watching at home could see that."

Was Cherki's winning goal legitimate?

Hovering just above the relegation zone, a point against an in-form City side would have moved Forest six points clear from the relegation places.

But Cherki crushed their hopes as he drilled in a half-volley, drilling the ball from the edge of the box past Gibbs-White.

Forest players were quick to complain to referee Jones, claiming that Gibbs-White had been knocked over by Nico O'Reilly and unable to blocking Cherki's strike.

"There's a clear push on Morgan Gibbs-White, and the identical player then becomes an obstruction," Dyche commented.

"He is prevented from blocking as the ball passes through where he would have been. No matter the perspective, it's an infringement."

The VAR checked the goal, but ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand.

Dyche went on: "They'll say, 'Yeah, the ball wasn't there'. And you go, 'OK, so if the ball's not near the keeper and you push the keeper to the floor, is that going to be a foul then?'.

"Everyone knows it would be. I am baffled. And then they go and score from the situation, which compounds the error.

"I fully endorse VAR technology - I am at a loss to explain how such a clear error was made."

Ought Dias have been sent off?

Dyche was also unhappy about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.

The center-back received a initial caution for dissent in the first half, protesting about a decision against him after his challenge on Igor Jesus.

Immediately after halftime, Dias tripped Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was breaking upfield.

"It's deemed unintentional. Yet an accidental foul denying a clear chance is a red. So why is this different and not a second yellow?" Dyche asked.

"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 disregarded appeals by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a second booking.