Premier League make controversial Newcastle United & Nottingham Forest official decision after double ban
The Premier League has confirmed the match officials for Nottingham Forest versus Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Magpies head to the City Ground with renewed confidence following back-to-backs wins against Chelsea and Arsenal last week. However, they face an in-form Forest, who currently sit third in the league table.
The Reds have lost just twice in all competitions this campaign, the first of which came against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup in August when Eddie Howe’s side progressed into the third round on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
But no two games are the same, and United know they are in for a challenging afternoon.
Anthony Taylor has been appointed as referee, a decision that hasn’t gone down well with Forest fans, and here’s why.
Reds boss Nuno Espirito Santo will return to the touchline this weekend after completing a three-match suspension. It came after Nuno was shown a red card during the 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion in September for his reaction to Morgan Gibbs-White’s dismissal.
After referee Rob Jones signalled his belief that Gibbs-White had won the ball in his challenge on Joao Pedro, Taylor, on fourth official duty, interjected and recommended a second yellow card. Both Nuno and Gibbs-White were subsequently charged with acting in “an improper manner” and/or using “abusive and/or insulting words” towards the officials by the FA.
The commission’s written reasons for the suspension included reports from Jones and Taylor. Describing Nuno’s response to Gibbs-White being handed his marching orders, Taylor stated: “In reaction to the behaviour of the Brighton technical area and the referee’s decision to dismiss Nottingham Forest player, Mr Gibbs-White for a second caution, Mr Espirito Santo, became very animated and aggressive. He left his technical area to show clear dissent in reaction to the decision and was heard saying to Mr Jones, “You’re ******* us again”. I then informed Mr Jones that Mr Espirito Santo should be dismissed.”
Taylor’s last game in charge of Forest was also littered in controversy when they had three penalty claims turned down in their 2-0 defeat at Everton in April. Forest were fined £750,000 by the FA for a social media post that questioned the integrity of Stuart Attwell, who was on VAR duty.
Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn will assist Taylor at the City Ground with Michael Salisbury as the fourth official. Tim Robinson is the VAR and Lee Betts is assistant VAR.