Premier League 'extremely disappointed' by Nottingham Forest criticism as FA launches investigation while relegation candidates demand changes to 'allegiances' regulations

The Premier League conveyed its "disappointment" with Forest's initial statement, which was labelled "embarrassing" by Gary Neville, about Attwell in the wake of not being given three penalties in the defeat to Everton, confirming both they and the FA will investigate the comments made. That was followed by Forest hitting back with another statement, questioning how PGMOL handles its appointments amid the potential for conflicts.

The controversy stems from challenges in the box from Ashley Young on Giovanni Reyna and Callum Hudson-Odoi, as well as an perceived handball from the same Everton player, going unpunished by referee Anthony Taylor in real time, as well as the VAR unit. Young later even poked fun at the outrage by referencing Justin Timberlake's 2002 song 'Cry Me a River'.

A statement published on Monday afternoon read: "The Premier League was extremely disappointed to read the comments made by Nottingham Forest on social media yesterday, following its match against Everton. We note The FA has confirmed it will be investigating the club's statement. It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League's Rules."

The FA's statement outlined: "We have formally requested observations from Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco Williams and Mark Clattenburg as a result of their comments following their Premier League match against Everton on Sunday April 21. We will provide any further updates in due course."

Forest then declared: "Following yesterday's match at Everton, NFFC issued a statement highlighting our concern at the perception of the PGMOL appointment of VAR for the game. This was an issue we raised with PGMOL prior to the fixture because of the fear of the side show that would ensue if anything went wrong with officiating in the game. That fear has materialised, as the correctness of three important decisions against the Club have been called into doubt. This is not about individuals but rather how the integrity of the game is seen. We know match officials do not allow outside factors to influence their decision-making and that all referees are required to declare their 'allegiances' to PGMOL to avoid any perceived conflict or harm to the game's reputation for integrity. 

"However, it is clear PGMOL must amend its rule on allegiances to account for contextual rivalries in the league table, not just local rivalries. This is currently not within the criteria but should be. Mere reliance on match officials to recuse themselves if contextual rivalries exist invites conjecture, as some have recused themselves where others have not.

"NFFC stands by its request for greater transparency around PGMOL appointments to further protect the game's reputation, as intended in PGMOL’s existing approach to allegiances.  Given the widespread and ongoing concerns, not merely of the fans, players and managers of this Club but of many others and the pundits too, over VAR decisions throughout this season any move which boosts confidence in the system should be properly considered."

Forest could be in for punishment depending on how the Premier League and the FA view the comments that have been made once each carries out their own investigations. On the pitch, they face a fight to stay in the division, sitting only one point above the relegation zone, and will need as many points as possible from remaining games against Manchester City, Sheffield United, Chelsea and Burnley. The final day clash with 19th place Burnley, currently three points below them, could be decisive for both.