BBC pundit gives honest verdict on Nottingham Forest penalty controversy vs Newcastle

10/02/2024 Raymond Nothingham Forest 0

Stephen Kelly has given his verdict on the controversial penalty decision against Nottingham Forest during their Premier League encounter at the City Ground against Newcastle United.

Nottingham Forest were denied a penalty vs Newcastle United. The former defender for Tottenham Hotspur and BBC Sport analyst believes that Forest were wronged.
Nottingham Forest lost their Premier League match on Saturday night at the City Ground against Newcastle United.

Nuno’s team lost 3-2. Fabian Schar scored one goal for the visiting squad, while Bruno Guimaraes scored twice for Newcastle.

The goal scorers for Forest, who could be demoted to the Championship at the conclusion of the season, were Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

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Forest were denied two penalties. The second one was hugely controversial.

Anthony Gordon gave Elanga a slight shove toward the end of the first half.
Then, in the second half, Taiwo Awoniyi, a player Forest head coach Nuno believes will be crucial for the squad in the upcoming weeks, was hauled down by Newcastle goalie Martin Dubravka with his outstretched arms.

BBC pundit Stephen Kelly’s verdict

Though the referees did not see it that way, former Tottenham defender and BBC Sport analyst Stephen Kelly was unambiguous when he said that it appeared to be a penalty.
Kelly stated on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, “It appears to me that Taiwo Awoniyi is eliminated by Martin Dubravka.” It carries a penalty. Dubravka catches Awoniyi’s leg with his second arm.
“There is a lift in the arm from Dubravka to stop Awoniyi getting past him and to the ball. He doesn’t need to do that, it needlessly creates contact. Newcastle have gotten away with one there.”

Forest presently sits 16th in the Premier League standings with 21 points from 24 games following their loss to Newcastle.

Just two points separate the Reds and the relegation zone. In their last four Premier League games, Forest has suffered three losses.