Nottingham Forest’s recent Europa League defeat to FC Midtjylland has sparked controversy and frustration within the club, leading to an official complaint being lodged with UEFA regarding the refereeing decisions during the match. The performance of French referee Willy Delajod, who officiated the game, has been heavily criticized by Forest officials for what they perceive as inconsistent and unfair officiating.
The match saw Midtjylland adopting a physical style of play, yet receiving only one yellow card compared to the three bookings handed out to Forest players. A challenge by Midtjylland’s Denil Castillo on Forest’s Elliot Anderson, which went unpunished with only a verbal warning, exemplified the perceived lack of consistency in the referee’s decisions. Forest sources have expressed frustration at the stop-start nature of the officiating, which hindered their attacking rhythm and momentum during the game.
The defeat in the Europa League adds to the mounting pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, who has faced a challenging start to his tenure at Nottingham Forest. With no wins in his first six games in charge, Postecoglou’s position is under scrutiny, with fans expressing their discontent through chants during the match and highlighting the manager’s precarious situation.
The upcoming fixture against Newcastle is seen as a crucial moment for Postecoglou, with club insiders suggesting that a failure to secure a victory in this match could lead to a managerial change during the international break. Forest’s owners are reportedly concerned about the team’s current form and morale, with another loss potentially tipping the scales towards a change in leadership. The outcome of the Newcastle game could have significant implications for Postecoglou’s future at the club as Forest navigate a challenging period in their season.
