Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola blamed a malfunctioning electronic substitution board for a key penalty awarded to Nottingham Forest in a 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield on Saturday 29 August 2026. The Reds were attempting to make a triple change when the incident occurred, leading to Morgan Gibbs-White's 70th-minute spot-kick that put Forest ahead for the second time.
Iraola, in his first home game in charge, was waiting to bring on Ryan Gravenberch, Rio Ngumoha, and Kostas Tzimikas. Fourth official Tim Robinson experienced problems with the board, causing a delay of over two minutes. During that time, the ball went out of play three times for Forest throw-ins. The final one, taken quickly by substitute Liam Delap to Neco Williams, resulted in a foul by goalkeeper Alisson and the decisive penalty award. "Definitely he was having some problems with the board or something," Iraola told reporters afterwards.
The match timeline shows a cascade of events leading to the penalty. Dan Ndoye, who had opened the scoring for Forest, was replaced by Liam Delap in the 65th minute. Just twenty seconds later, Liverpool's three substitutes reported to the touchline. Play continued with Forest throw-ins at 66:23, 67:11, and 67:38. The penalty was given at 67:46 after Williams received Delap's quick throw and was brought down. Gibbs-White converted at 69:51, and Liverpool's delayed substitutions finally occurred at 70:41.
Iraola was adamant the situation should have been handled differently. He argued that if the substitutions had been processed, the quick throw-in that led to the foul would never have happened. "What would have happened? Definitely you stop because I want to sub." the Liverpool boss stated. The intended players to come off were Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Cody Gakpo, though there was a late change to possibly remove Alexis Mac Allister instead.
Nottingham Forest took the lead twice at Anfield, a ground where they had won their previous two Premier League visits. Dan Ndoye's first-half strike was cancelled out by Alexander Isak's 60th-minute equaliser for Liverpool. After Gibbs-White's penalty restored Forest's lead, summer signing Victor Munoz salvaged a point for the hosts with an 82nd-minute goal on his home debut following a move from Osasuna.
The result leaves both managers still searching for their first wins. Iraola has drawn both of his opening league games, following a point at Newcastle. Oliver Glasner's Forest also remain without a victory. The draw means Forest have one point from two matches, placing them 13th in the Premier League with a goal difference of minus one after scoring twice and conceding three times. They are already five points behind early leaders Manchester City.
The point at Anfield represents a solid start on the road for Oliver Glasner's side, who showed resilience to lead twice. The team's next challenge is a home fixture against Tottenham on 5 September. Tottenham currently sit 20th in the table, offering Forest a significant opportunity to secure their first win of the campaign.
Forest will need to handle this period without two sidelined players, Ibrahima Sangare and Nicolas Savona, whose absence is noted on our injuries list. The squad's ability to capitalise on moments of chaos, as they did with the quick throw-in, could prove valuable as they look to climb the table.
