Everton boss Sean Dyche has issued a cutting response to Nottingham Forest's remarkable public meltdown over VAR decisions following Sunday's fiery Premier League encounter.
The Toffees secured a crucial 2-0 victory at Goodison Park, but the match was overshadowed by Forest's extraordinary post-match statement accusing VAR official Stuart Attwell of being a Luton Town supporter and claiming "three extremely poor decisions" went against them.
Dyche's Blunt Assessment
When confronted with Forest's explosive allegations, Dyche delivered his verdict with characteristic bluntness. "I don't know what they're hoping for, by the way, by putting a statement out," the Everton manager stated. "I've no idea what that is. I think it's a bizarre thing to do."
Dyche, who has experienced his own frustrations with officiating this season, suggested clubs should handle such matters through proper channels rather than public statements.
The Incidents That Sparked Fury
Forest's anger stemmed from three separate penalty appeals that were dismissed during the match:
- An early challenge on Giovanni Reyna
- A handball claim against Ashley Young
- A later incident involving Callum Hudson-Odoi and Young
The club took the unprecedented step of posting on social media during the match, and followed up with a formal statement questioning the integrity of the VAR process.
Premier League Under Pressure
This controversy represents another significant blow to the Premier League's officiating standards, coming just weeks after Liverpool's fury over a incorrect offside call against Tottenham.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, now employed as a analyst by Forest, described the decisions as "a joke" and claimed the club had warned PGMOL that Attwell's alleged Luton allegiance created a conflict of interest.
Relegation Battle Intensifies
Beyond the VAR drama, the result has massive implications for the Premier League relegation battle. Everton's victory moves them five points clear of the drop zone, while Forest remain just one point above the danger area.
The win provides Everton with crucial breathing space as they await the outcome of their second points deduction appeal, while Forest face an anxious final month of the season.
What Happens Next?
The Football Association has confirmed it will investigate Forest's statement, while the Premier League is also expected to examine the extraordinary comments.
As the fallout continues, one thing is clear: the pressure on Premier League officiating has never been greater, and the integrity of the VAR system faces yet another serious test.
