Nottingham Forest’s challenge of beating QPR might have just become so much harder.
The Reds travel to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Friday for a crucial Championship clash.
Last night, however, QPR were fighting for a place in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup and ultimately they were robbed!
Keith Stroud. Remember him? Of course, you do. He’s the referee who is never too far away from calamity when refereeing Forest.
Last night, however, it was one of his assistant referees thrown firmly into the lion’s den by QPR.
When Charlie Austin headed home with just two minutes left to play, the Hoops looked on course for the last eight.
Except the celebrations were short-lived. Austin’s goal was remarkably ruled out, despite him clearly being onside.
Make no bones about it, this was a shocker. Officiating is hard but in the last 16 of a cup competition, this shouldn’t be happening.
Austin has been known not to mine his words before. With that in mind, it’s perhaps for the best that he wasn’t put up for press duties after Sunderland had secured a penalty shootout victory.
Forest challenge now harder after QPR disallowed goal
This won’t have helped Forest one little bit. Some will point to the fact that it’s a different situation but Mark Warburton will have his team bang-up for the game anyway.
Austin returning to action was a timely one and he will want to ensure that he isn’t left frustrated on Friday night.
Of course, the Reds might be able to take advantage of the quick turnaround for QPR but it’ll be a tricky game.
Forest lost 4-0 last time out and won’t want another loss in quick succession for Steve Cooper.
He must now find a way to get the better of a wounded animal on Friday evening.
One thing Forest and QPR fans will probably both agree on is that, we hope Stroud and his team are as far away from the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium as possible.