Forest call for PGMOL to release VAR audio

Nottingham Forest have written to refereeing body PGMOL to request the release of the VAR audio from Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Everton which saw them have three penalty appeals denied, the club said in a statement on Monday.

Forest had slammed PGMOL for ignoring their concern that the VAR for Sunday’s defeat, Stuart Attwell, was a supporter of Luton Town — a club who, alongside Forest, are battling against relegation from the Premier League.

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Referee Anthony Taylor waved away three claims for a penalty, the most notable of which came in the second half when Callum Hudson-Odoi was seemingly brought down by Everton defender Ashley Young.

Forest faced backlash from fans and pundits for releasing the furious statement after the match, saying they “simply cannot accept” the officating team’s decisions. However, the club doubled down on Monday and requested that PGMOL release the audio between the on-field referee and the VAR booth at the officiating group’s Stockley Park headquarters.

Monday’s statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.

“The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents — Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).

“We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”