The VAR controversy from Nottingham Forest's weekend match has intensified with the release of a new image. The picture appears to show the ball striking Neco Williams' arm in the build-up to a disallowed goal during Saturday's 0-0 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Forest, currently 16th in the Premier League with two points from three games, were left frustrated by the decision. Referee Craig Pawson disallowed the effort after video assistant referee Peter Bankes advised him of a potential handball by Williams. Manager Oliver Glasner insisted there was no clear proof to overturn the on-field call.
The newly circulated still frame is central to the ongoing debate. It depicts the moment the ball made contact with Neco Williams' arm as he challenged for possession. Pro Ref, the referees' body, has stated it is comfortable with the intervention, describing Bankes as an experienced VAR official. They argue the image provides the clarity needed to make the call, a stance that has drawn a strong backlash from the club.
Oliver Glasner was unequivocal in his post-match assessment. "I think the VAR can't intervene when he is guessing," Glasner said. "We had a briefing before the season that the threshold for VAR intervention this year should be very high, which is why this is a wrong intervention." This incident adds to Forest's history of disputes with match officials this season.
This intervention is one of only two subjective VAR overturns in the Premier League so far this season. After 30 games, that's a ratio of 0.06 per match, significantly lower than the 0.15 ratio seen throughout the previous campaign. Referees' chief Howard Webb has overseen a directive for a lighter touch, instructing officials not to intervene unless they are certain. The decision against Forest, where the team has scored just two goals while conceding three, directly impacted a precious point.
Glasner also pointed to another moment he felt went against his side. "I think it was a clear penalty when Neco Williams was fouled by Mo Kudus," he added. "We didn't feel that some decisions were in our favor today. If it's not 100% clear, stick to the on-field decisions."
The disallowed goal proved costly in a tight match where chances were scarce. Nottingham Forest's search for a first win of the season continues, leaving them seven points behind early leaders Manchester City. The team's recent form reads DDL, and they will be without the sidelined Nicolò Savona for the foreseeable future.
Attention now turns to a vital match against a direct rival. Forest's next fixture is an away trip to face 17th-placed Aston Villa on September 12. A positive result there could provide an important boost, and fans can track the team's progress in the standings.
The club must move on quickly from the controversy as they prepare for the trip to Villa Park. With only two points on the board, every decision in tight games carries extra weight. The focus for Glasner and his squad will be on converting their performances into results, starting with the upcoming Midlands clash. The match against Aston Villa kicks off at 15:00 BST on September 12.
