Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White expressed his dissatisfaction with the VAR debate following their FA Cup elimination to Manchester United.
The Reds appeared to have United on the ropes in the first half, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side generated several good chances. Forest failed to maintain their momentum in the second half and appeared to be headed for extra time at the City Ground.
That was until the 89th minute, when Casemiro stooped low and headed home a free kick at the near post. There was a VAR review because United’s Raphael Varane had obstructed Forest defender Murillo during the build-up. However, this was insufficient to prevent the purpose from being achieved.
Following the final whistle, Gibbs-White published a social media picture on his Instagram account emphasizing a similar foul by Liverpool’s Wataru Endo in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, which resulted in Virgil van Dijk’s goal being disallowed. Gibbs-White has already removed the post, however the decision to allow Casemiro’s goal denies Forest an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo did not provide a definitive response to the refereeing judgment. Instead, the head coach complimented the home audience for pushing his team and nearly advancing them to the next round.
“I am unsure about it. Nuno stated, “I didn’t clearly see the images.” “According to the players, there was a block in a suspected offside. They checked it. But we’ve had so many problems with VAR and officials this season, so let’s try to forget about it and go on.
“It’s frustrating to lose in the final minute of the game after all of our efforts. That is the most frustrating and disappointing aspect of not allowing our fans to enjoy themselves today since they were so supportive and vociferous. We need to thank them.”
