Referee’s hat-trick of howlers to deny Nottingham Forest penalties at Everton is mind-boggling… and all of this could have been avoided by PGMOL

One of these errors would have been bad enough. Three was a joke, and that is why Nottingham Forest were left feeling victimised after another defeat in which zero big decisions went their way.

In a season where they have had to endure some egregious refereeing, this trip to Everton was as grim a game as they have encountered since returning to the Premier League.

First, Ashley Young kicked the back of the foot of Giovanni Reyna. We have seen others win penalties in similar situations — Anthony Gordon for Newcastle against West Ham, for example — but not this time. No visit to the monitor. No penalty awarded.

Then, Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross was stopped by the outstretched arm of Young. Handballs for making your body unnaturally bigger have routinely resulted in spot-kicks — Michael Keane was penalised for Everton against Liverpool, for example — but again, not this time. No visit to the monitor. No penalty awarded.

Finally, Hudson-Odoi was bursting into the box when Young challenged him from behind, completely wiping him out. Referee Anthony Taylor apparently told the players on the pitch that both Young and Hudson-Odoi touched the ball. The television replays told a very different story and VAR Stuart Attwell had to send Taylor for a second look to correct his call. He didn’t. No visit to the monitor. No penalty awarded.

These situations were precisely why video technology was brought into the Premier League and yet, Attwell did not send Taylor to his monitor. Not once. It was a hat-trick of howlers from the refereeing team and, unfortunately for Forest, a continuation of an unjust trend that has hampered their survival fight.

You will have seen the statement released by the club — how the PGMOL were contacted to warn that it was not appropriate for a Luton fan such as Attwell to play such a pivotal role in a massive match that would impact the relegation race.

Certainly, I would not have risked this situation if I were the head of the referees and all of this could have been avoided had the PGMOL simply made smarter appointments.

Referees do not make mistakes deliberately but this was mind-boggling to watch. Why Attwell did not send Taylor to his screen, only he will know.

The PGMOL can acknowledge the errors if they want. The Key Match Incident panel can say Forest should have been awarded three penalties if they wish. Howard Webb can offer up an explanation on his Match Officials Mic’d Up television show with Michael Owen if he is so inclined.

All of that is bound to happen, but none of it will help Nottingham Forest now.