Ten-man Forest snatch point against Brentford amid VAR drama
Less than 24 hours after Tottenham’s contentious win over Liverpool there was more VAR drama as Nottingham Forest and Brentford played out a 1-1 draw at the City Ground this afternoon.
The visitors went in front through Christian Norgaard less than 15 minutes after the break though it could have come earlier as Thomas Frank’s men were controversially denied a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
Introducing himself to The City Ground 👏 pic.twitter.com/qWF9icxrWw
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 1, 2023
Nicolas Dominguez, who netted an equaliser on home debut, appeared to make contact with the ball when raising his arm during an aerial challenge.
“If it’s clear Dominguez has touched it with his arm there, Forest have got away with one. He’s not got his eyes on the ball, his arms are above his head. If it is, VAR have got that wrong,” came Michael Dawson’s thoughts on Sky Sports.
“Of course his hand is going to be so close because he’s jumping in the wrong way. That’s not a natural jump,” Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink added.
Norgaard’s opener came seconds after Moussa Niakhate was shown a second yellow card. It was the 17th time someone had been sent off in this Premier League season. At the same stage of the 2022/23 campaign (68 matches), only five players had been sent off.
"I honestly don't know what is handball and what isn't" 🤷♂️
Steve Cooper says some of the decisions today lacked 'common sense' and shares his thoughts on the 'difficult spell' referees are going through right now 🔊 pic.twitter.com/cRTFaRH8rM
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 1, 2023
Brentford’s lead was shortlived as Dominguez soon levelled proceedings with Forest a man down. After seeing the game out it meant the Bees have now dropped eight points from winning positions this season, the joint-most of any team along with Bournemouth, with today being the fourth time this season they have failed to win despite taking the lead, also drawing against Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth from such a position.
“It’s disappointing. We took the lead and they had a man sent off. When you don’t leave the pitch with three points you will always be disappointed afterwards,” Brentford captain and goalscorer Norgaard told Sky Sports.
“It’s very difficult even though you’re one man more. You saw with Tottenham yesterday how difficult it was to score with two men more. Even though I thought we created enough chances in the end to score, I think we were unlucky. It was nice to get my first goal of the season but annoying we couldn’t capitalise.”
