Crystal Palace appear to poke fun at Nottingham Forest refereeing statement after win

21/04/2024 20:16

Crystal Palace seemingly mocked Nottingham Forest’s controversial refereeing statement after their victory over West Ham.

After a 2-0 defeat to Everton, Forest stunningly accused the PGMOL of hiring a Luton Town fan to work as VAR for the match with Forest feeling aggrieved at not being awarded three penalties.

“Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept,” the statement read.

“We warned the PGMOL that the VAR 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.”

The Football Association later confirmed that Forest will be investigated following the statement, which was posted on X shortly after full-time.

However, Palace appeared to decide to have some fun with it with their own post on the social media site in a similar style to Forest.

After beating West Ham 5-2, they said: “Five extremely good goals – two goals conceded – which we simply have to accept. #CPFC will now enjoy their Sunday.”

Forest’s statement came after Ashley Young escaped punishment for appearing to bring down Gio Reyna and Callum Hudson-Odoi as well as for a handball in the Everton box after the ball struck the Toffees defender’s outstretched arm.

It was very quickly criticised though, with Jamie Carragher calling it ’embarrassing’ likened to the club’s words as ‘like a fan in the pub’.

During his post-match interview with talkSPORT, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said he was ‘aware’ of the complaint and said referee Anthony Taylor did a ‘bad job’.

Goals from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil were enough for Everton to inflict what could be a crushing defeat on their fellow strugglers.

The Toffees are four points clear of Forest and have a game in hand, with Nuno’s side just a point above the bottom three.

Both clubs were hit with points deductions for breaching profit and sustainability rules, but Everton have taken a big step towards safety.

Forest face tough tests against Manchester City and Chelsea in the run-in as their Premier League status hangs in the balance.