BREAKING: PGMOL to allow Nottingham Forest to hear VAR audio
Nottingham Forest will have the opportunity to privately listen to the VAR audio related to the three penalty incidents in their recent match against Everton, as reported today.
Following Forest’s call on Monday for the release of the audio exchange between Stuart Attwell and referee Anthony Taylor, sources close to the referees’ body PGMOL have indicated that they will provide the club with access to the audio in private, as they would for any other club making a similar request.
The club’s strong response to the rejected penalty appeals has raised the possibility of FA and Premier League sanctions. In their statement on Sunday, Forest highlighted their concerns about Stuart Attwell’s alleged support for Luton Town and criticized PGMOL for not altering the appointment. The Premier League expressed disappointment with the statement, emphasizing the importance of respecting the integrity of match officials.
The league has initiated an investigation into the matter in accordance with regulations B.15 and B.16, which govern the conduct of clubs and their officials. Forest has further called for updates to the rules regarding referees’ allegiances to consider contextual rivalries within the league standings.
Referees already disclose their allegiances, leading to restrictions on officiating matches involving teams they support or certain fixtures like those with direct local rivalries. PGMOL considers various factors, including family allegiances, performance, and previous match assignments, when making referee appointments for Premier League and Championship fixtures.
Despite Forest’s unprecedented challenge to the process, PGMOL maintains confidence in the impartiality and professionalism of its officials. The club’s actions stand out as unique in the 32-year history of the Premier League, with no previous concerns raised regarding Attwell’s involvement in their matches this season.
English officials enjoy a strong reputation, with eight selected for Euro 2024, including Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver leading referee teams. Stuart Attwell and David Coote have been designated as VARs for the tournament.
When asked about the fallout from the match, Everton manager Sean Dyche emphasized focusing on his team’s affairs, stating that the conduct of others, whether managers, players, or owners, is beyond his control.
