VAR row erupts as Nottingham Forest’s disallowed goal image released
VAR ruled out Nottingham Forest’s late effort against Tottenham in a goalless draw on Saturday, prompting the club to protest. The decision was taken by video assistant referee Peter Bankes, while Forest boss Oliver Glasner insisted there was no proof of a handball. The incident was recorded at 20:20 on 07 Sep 2026.
First half remained deadlocked
The opening half saw both sides struggling to create clear chances, and the score stayed level. Tottenham pressed high but could not break the deadlock, and Forest’s defence held firm. No goal‑mouth action materialised before the break.
Midway through the half, Forest’s Neco Williams attempted a cross‑field run, but the ball was quickly cleared. The match continued without any decisive moment, leaving spectators anticipating a breakthrough.
Second‑half controversy unfolds
In the second half, Williams bundled the ball over the line, yet Peter Bankes intervened and disallowed the goal. A still picture later confirmed the ball DID strike Williams’ arm, which Forest argued should have been a penalty.
Oliver Glasner argued the VAR intervention was a guess, saying “I think the VAR can't intervene when he is guessing. It was not clear and obvious.” He added that the threshold for VAR action this season should be very high.
Peter Bankes was not shown the new image when he made his decision, and referee Craig Pawson subsequently dismissed the goal. Forest’s frustration grew as the match ended 0‑0.
Post‑match, the Pro Ref body backed the officials, noting that Bankes is experienced and aware of tell‑tale signs such as a ripple of the shirt. Howard Webb’s lighter‑touch VAR policy this season aims to reduce interventions.
Comments from the club highlighted the inconsistency, with Glasner stating “I think it was a clear penalty when Neco Williams was fouled by Mo Kudus.” Statistics show only two subjective VAR interventions this season – a ratio of 0.06 after 30 games compared with 0.15 last season. Sport John Cross, Chief Football Writer, recorded the incident at 20:20, 07 Sep 2026, with View 2 Images accompanying the report.