Nottingham Forest are reportedly furious with referee Paul Tierney's performance during their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United on Friday night. The club's hierarchy, including owner Evangelos Marinakis, are said to be incensed that a free-kick was not awarded against Newcastle in the build-up to their equaliser.
Forest believed there was a foul on Andre Ayew by Joe Willock before Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the evening. The incident went unpunished, much to the dismay of the home side. Steve Cooper's team had taken the lead through Emmanuel Dennis, only to be pegged back just before half-time.
As the match seemed destined for a draw, a handball by Moussa Niakhate in stoppage time allowed Isak to convert a penalty and secure the win for Newcastle. Cooper expressed his frustration, stating, 'It was definitely a foul on Andre in the build-up. The referee has made a poor decision.'
The defeat ended Forest's nine-match unbeaten home run in the Premier League, leaving them in a relegation battle ahead of the international break. The club recently wrote to the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) to provide feedback after Cooper criticised referee John Brooks' performance in a 2-2 draw with Everton.
