Dermot Gallagher delivers verdict on big decision that went against Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle

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Nottingham Forest lost 4-3 to Newcastle at St James’ Park on a day when the gap between the Reds and fifth was narrowed down to just three points.

Forest started well in the North East. Callum Hudson-Odoi fired the Reds in front after just six minutes but what followed in the first half was frankly unforgivable.

Lewis Miley restored parity for the hosts on 23 minutes and just 11 minutes later, Newcastle found themselves 4-1 to the good after turning the game completely on its head.

VAR was once again at the centre of the debate that still rumbles on. Forest were guilty of giving a penalty away with the score at 2-1 after Ola Aina handled the ball inside the box.

Forest fans will have been furious with the VAR after an on-field decision was recommended. The same referee working VAR yesterday was Peter Bankes – the ref who didn’t give the Reds a penalty at Wolves for a nearly identical incident.

• READ MORE: Forest star hails Murillo after loss to Newcastle

Dermot Gallagher shares verdict on Newcastle penalty vs Nottingham Forest

It will come as no surprise to anybody that Gallagher has backed the match officials in this instance. In truth, he’s probably right to do so given the nature of what Aina did.

Given the current directive, it appears the correct call was eventually made. However, Forest will still feel a little aggrieved given that the VAR was the same official who didn’t give a penalty to the Reds against Wolves.

Gallagher agreed with Bankes on the day and told Sky Sports: “The guidance is, arm shoulder height or above? Which it is. Bear in mind he’s jumping as well. And secondly, it does block the cross. 

“I think under the directives, that is a penalty.

Forest will hope VAR evens itself out in business end of 2024/25

Fortunately, this season, Forest have found themselves pretty content with VAR and the decisions that it’s thrown up with the Reds not getting too much of a raw deal.

After the VAR missed a clear pull on Murillo during yesterday’s clash, perhaps Forest will be hoping for better fortunes at some point during the last 12 games of the campaign.

The Reds need to ensure that a reset takes place after some haphazard defending on Sunday. Nuno Espirito Santo will now earn his money and hopefully, home comforts can help Forest on Wednesday night.