Revealed: Nottingham Forest never actually asked for 'Luton fan' Stuart Atwell to be taken off VAR duty for Everton clash but demand audio be released after controversial officiating

In a statement released on Sunday night, Forest expressed their unhappiness over three penalties not given against Everton in the Premier League. The club also claimed that they warned Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) over the appointment of Stuart Attwell alleging he was a Luton fan - who are the relegation rivals of Forest at the moment.

Now according to the PA news agency, Forest and their refereeing consultant, Mark Clattenburg did not send a formal request to the PGMOL over changing the appointment of Attwell as VAR. The report also claimed that Clattenburg had contacted PGMOL chief Howard Webb to inform that Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo might get asked about Attwell’s appointment by the media at the pre-game press meet but no such questions were asked.

The Premier League team have since requested that the audio from the VAR discussions be released amid the controversial incidents in the crucial game between the relegation-threatened clubs.

“Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park,” the club said.

“The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents - Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).

“We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”

In a match marred by refereeing controversies, The Toffees clinched a 2-0 win at Goodison Park courtesy of goals from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil. The win helped them inch closer to Premier League safety while their opponents now find themselves just one point above the relegation zone.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side will be next seen in action on Sunday as they take on reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at home in an important league fixture.