Nottingham Forest Penalized for Social Media Criticism of VAR Official

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Nottingham Forest have been fined a hefty sum of 750,000 pounds ($980,000) and given a warning regarding their future behavior following a social media outburst directed at VAR official Stuart Attwell. The incident occurred during a crucial match against Everton last season, where Forest felt aggrieved for not being awarded three penalties in a 2-0 defeat that had major implications on their Premier League survival hopes. The tense relegation battle at the time involved Nuno Espirito Santo's side, Everton, Luton, and various other teams, adding to the significance of the controversial decisions made by the match officials. Forest's frustration with the VAR system boiled over on social media, leading to this significant financial penalty and a reminder to maintain proper conduct in the future.

After the game, Forest posted on their official X account: "Three extremely poor decisions - three penalties not given - which we simply cannot accept.

"We warned the PGMOL that the VAR (Attwell) is a Luton fan before the game but they didn't change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options."

Forest denied that their comments about Attwell brought the game into disrepute by "implying bias and/or questioning the integrity of match officials".

But an independent regulatory commission found the Football Association charge proven on Friday.

Forest responded by announcing they will appeal against the sanction.

"Nottingham Forest Football Club is extremely disappointed with the decision of the Regulatory Commission to impose a £750,000 fine in relation to comments posted on social media following our Premier League fixture against Everton on Sunday 21 April," a club statement said.

"We are particularly concerned that the FA, in its submissions, sought a sanction 'in excess of £1,000,000'. We believe that this request, along with the subsequent fine, is wholly disproportionate and the club will be appealing the decision."

Forest eventually finished 17th in the top-flight last term, six points above third bottom Luton, who were relegated along with Burnley and Sheffield United.

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They sit 10th this season after losing only once in their first seven league games.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)