Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match

Forest's head coach Sean Dyche was critical of the officials over several "perplexing" decisions in his side's heartbreaking 2-1 loss by Manchester City.

The manager believed Rayan Cherki's 83rd-minute winner at the City Ground should have been ruled out for a push on Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up.

He additionally argued that referee Rob Jones ought to have shown City defender Ruben Dias a second yellow card in the second half.

"It was, to my mind, an incredibly easy match to ref and a clear-cut decision for the video assistant," Dyche said.

"After performing so admirably, to have to discuss match officials influencing the result is frustrating - yet they undeniably did.

"Every supporter in the ground and every viewer at home witnessed it."

Ought the late winner have been disallowed?

Positioned precariously above the drop zone, a point against an in-form City side would have moved Forest a more comfortable six points ahead from the relegation places.

But Cherki crushed their hopes as he slammed home a half-volley, blasting the ball from the edge of the box through the legs of Gibbs-White.

Forest players were immediately protested to referee Jones, arguing that Gibbs-White had been fouled by Nico O'Reilly and stopped from blocking Cherki's strike.

"Morgan Gibbs-White is obviously shoved to the ground, and that very player then impedes the shot," Dyche explained.

"He is prevented from blocking as the ball passes through where he would have been. No matter the perspective, it's an infringement."

The VAR reviewed the incident, but ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand.

Dyche added: "The likely explanation is, 'The ball wasn't in the vicinity'. To which you respond, 'So if a goalkeeper is fouled away from the play, is that acceptable?'.

"Everyone knows it would be. I am baffled. And then they go and score from the situation, which compounds the error.

"I'm a big fan of VAR - I can't work out how you can't get that right."

Should Dias have seen red?

Dyche was also unhappy about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.

The center-back received a first yellow card for dissent in the first half, protesting about a decision against him following his challenge on Igor Jesus.

Immediately after halftime, Dias tripped Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was driving forward.

"They say it's an accident. If that's an accident when he's running through on goal we all know what happens. You get a red card. So why is it an accident and he isn't yellow carded then?" Dyche questioned.

"I find it utterly strange, truly. These are simple decisions. Show the second yellow, job done. 'You're off'. I am completely astonished."

Jones gave Forest a free-kick but ignored calls by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a second booking.