'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 manager Sean Dyche voiced his anger at the officials over a series of "perplexing" decisions in his side's late 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.
Dyche was convinced that Rayan Cherki's late winner at the City Ground ought to have been ruled out for a push on Morgan Gibbs-White during the attacking phase.
He also thought that referee Rob Jones ought to have shown City defender Ruben Dias a second caution in the second half.
"Such an easy game to referee, in my opinion, such an easy decision for VAR [video assistant referee]," Dyche remarked.
"After performing so admirably, to have to discuss match officials influencing the result is frustrating - yet they undeniably did.
"It was plain for all in attendance and all television audiences to see."
Was Cherki's winning goal legitimate?
Dyche has secured four victories from nine league matches since taking over at Forest
Sitting just outside the bottom three, a point against an high-flying City side would have moved Forest a more comfortable six points ahead from the relegation places.
But Cherki dashed their dreams as he drilled in a half-volley, striking the ball from the edge of the box through the legs of Gibbs-White.
Forest players were quick to complain to referee Jones, contending that Gibbs-White had been pushed to the ground by Nico O'Reilly and stopped from blocking Cherki's strike.
"Morgan Gibbs-White quite clearly gets pushed to the floor and the same player is involved in blocking the ball," Dyche commented.
"However, he's unable to make the block because the ball travels through the space his body would have occupied. From any angle, it's a foul."
The VAR examined the play, but ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand.
Dyche added: "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?'.
"It's universally understood to be a foul. I am perplexed. To then concede from that sequence is a real double blow.
"I am a strong supporter of VAR - I cannot comprehend how they missed that."
Gibbs-White remonstrated with official Jones, claiming a foul before the decisive goal
Ought Dias have been sent off?
Dyche was equally incensed about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.
The Portugal defender received a initial caution for dissent in the first half, complaining about a decision against him following his challenge on Igor Jesus.
Straight after the restart, Dias fouled Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was driving forward.
"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 find it utterly strange, truly. These are simple decisions. Show the second yellow, job done. 'You're off'. I am completely astonished."
Jones awarded Forest a free-kick but ignored calls by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a dismissal.
