VAR row takes fresh twist as new image of Nottingham Forest disallowed goal released

A new picture shows the ball DID hit Neco Williams’ arm - but might not end the VAR row over Nottingham Forest ’s disallowed goal.

Williams bundled the ball over the line but video assistant referee Peter Bankes disallowed the goal even though Forest boss Oliver Glasner insisted there was no proof.

But a still picture does show the ball hitting Forest defender Williams’ arm which is why it was disallowed in Saturday’s goalless draw with Tottenham, denying the home side a precious win.

However, the picture was not available to Bankes when he made his decision to intervene which then saw referee Craig Pawson disallow the goal.

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Referees' body, Pro Ref, are comfortable that the correct decision was made and that Bankes is an experienced VAR who also knows tell-tale signs like a ripple of the shirt.

Refs boss Howard Webb has overseen a “lighter touch” this season from VAR which should result in less interventions with the strict instructions that officials should not get involved unless they are sure. Pro Ref are backing the officials over this decision which has caused a backlash from Forest who have history on ref rows.

This time, Glasner said: “I think the VAR can't intervene when he is guessing. It was not clear and obvious. We had a briefing before the season that the threshold for VAR intervention this year should be very high, which is why this is a wrong intervention.”

The Forest boss also claimed: "I think it was a clear penalty when Neco Williams was fouled by Mo Kudus. We didn't feel that some decisions were in our favor today. If it's not 100% clear, stick to the on-field decisions. This is the inconsistency today. I told the referee after the game that I felt the goal should have stood."

The stats show that there have been just two subjective interventions this season which is a ratio of 0.06 after 30 games compared to 0.15 last season.

Arsenal had a goal ruled out by VAR in their win over Chelsea on Sunday. It came when they were trailing 1-0 but replays showed the officials were again right to step in.

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