Dyche Criticizes Corner Decision in Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Match
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has labeled the decision to award Manchester United a corner leading to their opener at the City Ground on Saturday as "farcical."
During the match, Nicolo Savona's clearance from Bryan Mbeumo's delivery was heading out of play, but the Italian full-back pursued his own header and seemingly prevented the entire ball from crossing the byline.
Despite this, linesman Akil Howson indicated that the ball had gone out, prompting referee Darren England to award the corner. Casemiro subsequently scored from this corner, putting Ruben Amorim's side ahead in a match that ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.
According to current regulations, the video assistant referee (VAR) is not permitted to review decisions related to awarding corners instead of goal-kicks, even if the corner results in a goal.
Dyche expressed his frustration, stating, "There has to be someone who overrides this decision, because it’s gone and they’ve put it straight in the goal." He noted that his team had also conceded a controversial corner in their previous match, a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.
"Two in two weeks is farcical," Dyche continued. "You might get one of those [decisions] a season. Of course, you can argue about us dealing with it, but the point is it’s the wrong decision. What’s even worse is that the assistant referee has given it from 75 yards away, behind the view of the goal. Apparently, he can see it."
Dyche added, "We can clearly see the ball hanging over the line. Whether it’s three-quarters or not is irrelevant; the fact is it’s not out. It’s really disappointing."
Despite the controversy, two goals in three minutes from Morgan Gibbs-White and Savona put Forest on track for their first win under Dyche. However, Amad Diallo's powerful strike salvaged a point for United nine minutes from time.