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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

Nottingham Forest 'let down' by VAR against Manchester City

Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper felt VAR should have intervened over Manchester City's goal at the City Ground.

Chris Wood’s first strike for the club clinched a point for the Reds as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with the reigning champions. Having come under plenty of pressure, some determined defending, a never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit paid off for the hosts.

Bernardo Silva had opened the scoring with an excellent strike just before half-time. But Cooper argued the goal should have been ruled out for a foul on Joe Worrall in the build-up.

READ MORE: How the Reds rated against Man City

READ MORE: Cooper delivers verdict on Forest's draw with Man City

“I was disappointed with the goal, but I am really disappointed with VAR. Joe Worrall was being kicked in the face,” he said.

“I'm not too sure if they saw the angle. But we've seen it, and for me, it is a clear foul anywhere else on the pitch. VAR have to pick up on that.

“I am not going to deny the fact that City had all the ball and had some great chances in the second half, but you need a bit of luck when you play against them to get something out of the game, and, for me, VAR have let the referee down there - I'm not sure who it was.

“Of all weekends, they needed a good one this weekend. It is another talking point for them.

"We all want VAR to be at the level and to help the game. We are disappointed with that.”

Cooper's complaint comes after VAR was in the spotlight a week ago. Lee Mason resigned from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on Friday, having failed to spot an offside in the build-up to Brentford's equaliser against Arsenal, while Brighton wrongly had a goal disallowed when the offside lines were drawn against the wrong defender in their draw with Crystal Palace.

Should City's goal have stood? Have your say in the comments below

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