'The VAR is a Luton fan' - Nottingham Forest release extraordinary statement after seeing three penalty shouts denied in demoralising Premier League defeat to Everton

Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil helped Everton inch closer to Premier League safety but the big talking points were the three penalty claims that referee Anthony Taylor and the VAR team turned down. The Tricky Trees felt Everton's Ashley Young got away with three big calls in the box in either half and in a stunning statement, the club labelled VAR Attwell a Luton Town fan and questioned the Premier League's integrity.

The tweet reads: "Three extremely poor decisions - three penalties not given - which we simply cannot accept. We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options."

These decisions look like they could have a huge impact on the Premier League relegation race with Everton now five points clear of the relegation zone and 18th-placed Luton Town and four ahead of Forest - plus they have a game in hand. While the officiating is under scrutiny once again for all the wrong reasons, this Forest statement is not likely to go down well with the Premier League.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher branded Forest's statement as akin to a "fan in a pub", while also criticising the standard of officiating in the Everton contest.

He said on Sky Sports: "It tells us where we are with the Premier League and the clubs. (VAR) Stuart Attwell and (referee) Anthony Taylor have had a horrific day, awful, and they should be rightly criticised for that. And that could have real implications for Nottingham Forest. I get the frustration. But what I’ve just read on social media - that’s like a fan in the pub. I get the frustration. Rubbish. ‘The VAR is a Luton fan’ - don’t get involved in that. You’ve got to show a little bit of class. That’s nonsense."

Carragher was not the only one to disapprove, too. Forest found themselves mocked by Crystal Palace following their healthy victory over West Ham on Sunday. The Eagles wrote on X: "Five extremely good goals - two goals conceded - which we simply have to accept. #CPFC will now enjoy their Sunday."

Forest, who have played a game more than Everton and have four matches to save their season, next host Premier League title hopefuls Manchester City at the City Ground on Sunday. Everton, on the other hand, entertain Liverpool at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.