Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressed frustration over a refereeing decision during his side’s 3-1 defeat against Tottenham, insisting that James Maddison should have been sent off for an alleged punch on Ryan Yates.
The incident occurred just before half-time with the score level at 1-1. Referee Simon Hooper spoke to both Maddison and Yates but opted not to issue any cards, with the video assistant referee (VAR) also choosing not to intervene.
Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Match of the Day, asserted, “It’s a red card. Maddison lost composure and punched Yates in the stomach. I was surprised VAR didn’t [send Maddison off]. What they saw clearly is not the same as we saw. I wouldn’t speak if I wasn’t 100% sure.”
The Forest midfielder Yates echoed his manager’s sentiments, stating to Sky Sports, “James Maddison is a good player, I know he makes them tick. It’s my job to disrupt the momentum. A few decisions probably didn’t go our way but we’ve seen the inconsistency in the Premier League this season.”
Despite the contentious incident, Tottenham emerged victorious, moving into fourth place in the Premier League standings, above Aston Villa on goal difference with a game in hand. Nottingham Forest, however, remained in 17th place, narrowly avoiding the drop zone due to their superior goal difference over Luton.