Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace’s European competition drama played out in public, and now Chris Wood has stated how the Forest squad is feeling about it.
The two Premier League clubs were awaiting the final decision after Crystal Palace’s appeal to CAS, and on Monday it was confirmed that the Europa League will be coming to the City Ground instead of Selhurst Park.
While Chris Wood is looking ahead to potential European opponents, there could also be more eyes watching when Forest face the Eagles this year, after they usurped them in one of the biggest club competitions in football.
There certainly won’t be any love lost between both sets of supporters, and the thoughts of the Forest dressing room have now been revealed.
Forest players unbothered by Crystal Palace after court decision
Nottingham Forest may have taken Crystal Palace’s spot in the Europa League but Chris Wood says the players feel unbothered by the outcome.
Talking with New Zealand Football ahead of the new season, the striker said: ‘I mean, between us as players, I’m sure we’re not too bothered. It was never down to us as players what happened and where everything went.’
The 33-year-old went on to say the Forest squad are only focused on the game ahead rather than any outside noise, stating: ‘For us as players, we don’t get involved in that type of thing. We just get told where to play and turn up on the night to play.’
The striker may be right, but the atmosphere in the ground could be amped up by fans, and in turn affect proceedings on the pitch.
Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace could have an added edge this season
While Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have been clashing off the pitch, it could pave way for this fixture to become more intense.
Even though Chris Wood admits that this particular game is ‘just another day at the office,’ fans of both clubs may not feel the same.
With both sets of fans potentially fired up, Nottingham Forest’s trip to Selhurst Park, and Crystal Palace’s away day at the City Ground, could become even more difficult.
Amidst the drama of the arbitration, Forest sent a letter saying they had concerns over Crystal Palace’s inclusion in the Europa League, and fans of the Eagles could feel this played a significant role in the final decision.
Forest fans did try to make peace with Palace supporters, but the olive branch may not be reciprocated, and things could turn fiery between both sets of supporters.
With traditional rivals Derby County and Leicester City not in the Premier League, and any derby matchups only plausible through luck of the draw in cups, a game with that extra kick could be one to look forward to for the Tricky Trees.
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