AliousStan Collymore has shared his thoughts on the Professional Game Match Officials Limited’s (PGMOL) assessment that Nottingham Forest deserved a single penalty in their 2-0 loss to Everton.
Nottingham Forest expressed their discontent after the match at Goodison Park, arguing they were entitled to three penalties due to various incidents involving Ashley Young.
However, a panel, which included three ex-players and coaches along with a PGMOL and Premier League representative, reached a consensus that only one of the incidents warranted a penalty, as reported by ESPN on April 29.
Collymore faced criticism from Forest supporters last week for suggesting that the team’s claims for three penalties against Everton were unfounded. The independent panel’s decision has now been made public.
According to Collymore, there was no penalty when Gio Reyna was deemed to have fallen too easily, and no penalty for an alleged handball by Ashley Young, as his arm was in a natural position. These findings align with his initial thoughts.
The panel did determine that Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi merited a penalty. However, after the Premier League released the audio from the incident, Collymore, agreeing with referee Stuart Atwell, still views it as a mere tussle rather than a clear foul.
Collymore acknowledges the panel’s decision on this last incident but remains content, echoing Meatloaf’s sentiment that “two out of three ain’t bad.”
It’s time to put the Everton incident behind
While Nottingham Forest is justified in their frustration over the officiating, dwelling on the matter won’t alter the outcome of the game. An apology from the officials won’t translate into the points the team needs, and their focus should now be on the remaining fixtures.
Collymore initially believed not all the incidents in question should have led to penalties. He suggests that the uproar following the game, fueled by Forest’s social media activity, could have been avoided.
Since then, Everton has secured victories against Liverpool and Brentford, ensuring their place in the Premier League for the next season. Forest is encouraged to shift their attention to achieving similar success.
Despite facing unfavorable decisions throughout the season, Everton has managed to turn their fortunes around and reap the benefits of their perseverance.
Alious
