admin“Unacceptable”- Furious Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou delivers verdict on controversial goal as Nottingham Forest beaten by Sunderland
Postecoglou Refuses to Blame Referee After Forest’s Defeat to Sunderland
Ange Postecoglou chose not to blame referee Tony Harrington for Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 loss to Sunderland, despite a controversial decision leading to the only goal of the game.
Instead, the Forest head coach emphasized that his team should have handled the situation better following the disputed free-kick, while also lamenting their continued lack of cutting edge in attack.
The incident in question occurred just before halftime at the City Ground. Nicolas Dominguez, making his return from injury, appeared to have been fouled by Trai Hume.
However, the decision went against the Argentine, who was instead booked for simulation. Moments later, Sunderland capitalized on the free-kick as Omar Alderete headed in the opener.
Forest players appealed for both a foul on Neco Williams and a possible offside in the build-up, but after a VAR check, the goal stood. Despite dominating possession, Postecoglou’s side again failed to convert their chances into goals, extending the Australian’s wait for his first win since taking charge.
Speaking after the match, Postecoglou addressed the incident that led to the goal:
“There were a few decisions — the awarding of the free-kick and some holding in the box — but ultimately, we weren’t strong enough in defending the situation. We should’ve done more to prevent the goal,” he said.
“It’s really disappointing to concede in that manner, especially in a match we largely controlled. Their goalkeeper didn’t have much to do — Matz Sels wasn’t tested. It’s frustrating and disappointing because it’s another game we let slip away when we should’ve won comfortably.”
Postecoglou pointed to his team’s lack of composure in front of goal as a key issue:
“We created plenty of chances, in both halves, but we’re just not being clinical enough. We’ve had control in the last four or five games, but we haven’t turned that into results.”
When asked if he believed Dominguez had dived, Postecoglou responded:
“For me, it was just a situation where play should’ve continued. But that’s the referee’s call.”
He stressed that, regardless of the official’s decision, the team needed to take responsibility:
“There’s nothing to say to Nico. I didn’t see anything in it. Even if the referee made a big error, we still had the chance to defend the free-kick better. That’s what concerns me more than the call itself — how we reacted afterwards.”
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