'Such an easy game to ref' - Dyche 'stunned' by 'bizarre' VAR calls
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 some "strange" decisions in his side's heartbreaking 2-1 loss by Manchester City.
Dyche felt Rayan Cherki's 83rd-minute winner at the City Ground should have been ruled out for a push on Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up.
He also thought that referee Rob Jones ought to have shown City defender Ruben Dias a dismissal in the second half.
"In my view, it was such a simple game to officiate, a very straightforward call for VAR," Dyche said.
"After performing so admirably, to have to discuss match officials influencing the result is frustrating - yet they undeniably did.
"Every supporter in the ground and every viewer at home witnessed it."
Was Cherki's winning goal legitimate?
The Forest boss has claimed four wins in his nine top-flight games at the helm
Hovering just above the relegation zone, a point against an high-flying City side would have moved Forest further away from the relegation places.
But Cherki dashed their dreams as he fired in a half-volley, blasting the ball from the edge of the box beyond 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 is obviously shoved to the ground, and that very player then impedes the shot," 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 reviewed the incident, but ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand.
Dyche continued: "The likely explanation is, 'The ball wasn't in the vicinity'. To which you respond, 'So if a goalkeeper is fouled away from the play, is that acceptable?'.
"Everyone knows it would be. I am baffled. And then they go and score from the situation, which compounds the error.
"I am a strong supporter of VAR - I cannot comprehend how they missed that."
Gibbs-White complained to referee Jones that he had been fouled in the build-up to City's late goal
Was Dias fortunate to avoid a second yellow?
Dyche was further angered about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.
The center-back received a initial caution for dissent in the first half, complaining about a decision against him after his challenge on Igor Jesus.
Early in the second period, Dias tripped Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was driving forward.
"They say it's an accident. If that's an accident when he's running through on goal we all know what happens. You get a red card. So why is it an accident and he isn't yellow carded then?" Dyche said.
"It's absolutely perplexing to me. These are straightforward calls. Issue the second caution, that's all. 'Leave the pitch'. I am totally dumbfounded."
Jones gave Forest a free-kick but ignored calls by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a second booking.
