Furious Nottingham Forest submit complaint over refereeing in Manchester United defeat

Club's owner Evangelos Marinakis fuming over the display of Stuart Attwell, ordering officials to submit complaint to referee body PGMOL.

Nottingham Forest have submitted an official complaint to referees’ body PGMOL after expressing their “anger” at the performance of Stuart Attwell and his officials in Saturday’s defeat by Manchester United.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and head coach Steve Cooper are still furious in the aftermath of the club’s controversial 3-2 loss at Old Trafford.

Marinakis has instructed Forest officials to take their concerns to PGMOL chief Howard Webb after a number of poor decisions went against his team, with the Greek businessman now ready to take action over what he perceives are consistently poor standards.

Joe Worrall was sent off for a challenge on United captain Bruno Fernandes in the second half outside the area and Attwell had the decision backed by Var as the Forest skipper was adjudged to be the last man, although Willy Boly appeared to be a covering defender which could have reduced the sanction.

Marcus Rashford was then brought down by Forest midfielder Danilo while United substitute Scott McTominay was given just a yellow card for a kick towards the face of Cheikhou Kouyate.

Forest’s concerns over the performance of Attwell are understood to stem from the official’s display in a Championship game against Bournemouth back in the 2021/22 season when a penalty decision went against former forward Sam Surridge after an incorrect offside decision went against him.

Saturday’s game at Old Trafford was Attwell’s first Forest game since that match in May 2022.

It is also the second successive game at Old Trafford where an opposition manager has been frustrated over refereeing decisions, after Wolves striker Sasa Kaladjzic appeared to be fouled by United goalkeeper Andre Onana and no penalty was awarded, leaving Gary O’Neil baffled.

Marinakis was still fuming on Monday morning and the club have outlined their anger in an email sent to the PGMOL.