Referee Sam Barrott gave out nine yellow cards in a tempestuous game Another game, another bad day for VAR. Nottingham Forest's win at West Hamwas high on drama, with some great goals, jaw-dropping errors and even the odd scrap. But it is the officials and the technology in the spotlight again. The problem for the video assistant referee this time came after Nikola Milenkovic flicked Anthony Elanga's free-kick past Alphonse Areola to put Forest 2-0 ahead in the second half. It looked like there may have been a marginal offside, so VAR was called on for a quick check. That quick check turned into an excruciating six-minute delay as the semi-automated offside technology was not working, and neither was the communications system between on-pitch referee Sam Barrott and the VAR. The Premier League Match Centre saidin a statement on X,external: "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR â with Milenkovic in an onside position and Nicolas Dominguez in an offside position, but deemed not to be impacting on play. "The semi-automated offside technology was not available to the VAR in this incident. There were also issues with the VAR communications to the on-field officials." It resulted in the video assistant having to make a subjective decision, while poor Barrott â barracked by boos and whistles from all corners of London Stadium â had to explain the issues to players and managers. As West Ham boss Graham Potter wryly put it: "They were drawing lines, and I think they ran out of ink. "It happens, there is nothing we can do. It is not ideal for me, [Forest head coach] Nuno, the ref, the people in stadium - they think VAR are taking a long time deciding what to do, but it's the tech." The delay played a large part in this becoming the second longest game in the Premier League this season - it lasted for 112 minutes and 55 seconds. With his side having survived 16 minutes of second-half stoppage time - Matz Sels made a crucial last-gasp stop from Niclas Fullkrug - Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo could afford to make light of the situation. "I was hoping for the game to end!" he joked in his post-match media conference. "The ref explained there was a problem with the connection. We don't want this to happen, but when it is it is about keeping composure to the end." For Forest, it is critical they kept their nerve and held on to a win which means their Champions League dream can still become a reality. This was only their second win in seven Premier League games, with the dip in form resulting in Forest falling from the top-five berth they have occupied for most of the season. But Forest seem to bring their best when they are under the cosh, rather then in the matches they are expected to win â such as their previous game at home to relegated Leicester,when they drew 2-2. Forest's win - dug out from under a deluge of late West Ham attacks, born from a succession of late blocks â was their 10th away league victory of 2024-25. It is twice the number they have won on the road in their last two league seasons combined, their joint most in the Premier League era alongside 1994-95 â when Forest finished third â and most have come in games where they had a minority of possession and played under pressure. At West Ham, Forest had 39.5% of the ball. That is not to say they are lucky. This game also showed Forest's great virtue of hard work. Morgan Gibbs-White anticipated the 11th-minute rick by West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola, nipping in to intercept a weak pass and slam into the empty goal. It was the 17th goal Forest have scored from opposition errors this league season. They also have quality, as shown by Elanga's devilish set-piece which Milenkovic turned in to spark the VAR chaos. It was Swedish forward Elanga's 11th league assist of 2024-25 â level with the Forest record in the Premier League, alongside Bryan Roy in 1994-95. Victory means they take the battle to the last game next Sunday, when they host Chelsea â one of their rivals for a Champions League spot. Forest must beat the Blues, and hope at least one result from the games involving fellow contenders Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City goes in their favour. Not bad for the side who finished fourth-bottom last season. Potter said Forest's rebirth was "aspirational" for West Ham, while when asked if he would have taken this scenario if offered it in August, Nuno said: "I will sign it! "Sunday will be a special game, we have to enjoy the moment. Since the beginning of the season we wanted to be in this fight. We are in the last game and the City Ground will be huge."
'They ran out of ink' - VAR woe as Forest win 112-minute epic
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Nottingham Forest Overcomes VAR Delays to Secure Crucial Win Against West Ham"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against West Ham in a match that was marred by VAR controversies and lengthy delays. The game was officiated by referee Sam Barrott, who issued nine yellow cards amidst a stormy atmosphere. The pivotal moment arose when Nikola Milenkovic scored from an Anthony Elanga free-kick to give Forest a 2-0 lead. However, VAR was called to check for a possible offside, which led to a frustrating six-minute delay due to failures in the semi-automated offside technology and communication issues between the on-field officials and the VAR team. The Premier League Match Centre later confirmed that while Milenkovic was onside, the VAR's inability to utilize technology forced them to make a subjective decision. This incident not only drew boos from the crowd but also left West Ham's manager Graham Potter quipping about the officials 'running out of ink' while drawing lines on the pitch. The match ultimately extended to 112 minutes and 55 seconds, marking it as one of the longest games this season due to the stoppage time caused by VAR issues.
Despite the tumultuous nature of the match, Forest's victory was significant as it kept their Champions League aspirations alive. This win marked only their second triumph in the last seven Premier League matches, following a dip in form that saw them slip from a top-five position. Forest demonstrated resilience under pressure, particularly with their defensive efforts against West Ham's late attacks. Morgan Gibbs-White opened the scoring by capitalizing on a mistake from West Ham's keeper, while Elanga's free-kick assist highlighted his growing influence, matching the club record for assists in a single season. With their next match against Chelsea looming, Forest needs to win and rely on favorable outcomes from rival matches to secure a Champions League spot. The turnaround in form has been remarkable, especially considering Forest's struggles last season, and both managers acknowledged the significance of this fight for European football as the season draws to a close.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights significant issues surrounding the implementation of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology in football, focusing on a recent match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham. The narrative centers on a controversial moment in the game, where a lengthy delay ensued due to technical difficulties, showcasing the flaws in the officiating process.
Impact of VAR on Match Experience
The delay caused by VAR not functioning correctly has drawn attention to the broader implications of technology in sports. It reflects a growing frustration among fans and players alike regarding the efficiency and reliability of technological interventions in critical game moments. The article suggests that such incidents could lead to increased scrutiny of VAR’s role in football, potentially affecting its future use.
Public Perception and Trust
By detailing the chaos surrounding the VAR decision, the article appears to foster skepticism about the technology and the officials. It illustrates how the confusion not only disrupts the flow of the game but also impacts the fans' experience, leading to a potential decline in trust towards match officials. The comments from West Ham's manager, Graham Potter, serve to underline this sentiment, indicating a shared frustration within the football community.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily addresses the VAR incident, it could be interpreted as a subtle critique of the Premier League’s reliance on technology. This might be a strategic move to divert attention from other pressing issues within the league, such as financial disparities or ongoing controversies regarding management decisions.
Comparative Context
When compared to other reports on VAR, this article stands out for its focus on the human element of officiating — the referee's experience and the players' reactions. It implies that while technology aims to enhance the game, it can inadvertently create more problems, thus drawing parallels with other sports that have faced similar technological challenges.
Broader Implications
The ongoing debates about VAR and its effectiveness could influence various aspects of football, including regulatory changes and fan engagement strategies. If public dissatisfaction continues, it may lead to reforms in how technology is integrated into officiating.
Community Support
The article likely resonates more with fans who are critical of VAR and technology in sports, particularly those who value the traditional aspects of the game. It appeals to a demographic that prioritizes the human element of officiating over technological interventions.
Market Influence
While the direct impact on stock markets or specific shares might be minimal, ongoing controversies regarding officiating and technology could affect sponsorship deals and the overall financial health of the league. Companies associated with football may need to reassess their investments in light of public perception.
Geopolitical Context
This specific incident does not appear to have a direct connection to global power dynamics. However, the ongoing evolution of sports technology has broader implications for how sports are governed internationally.
Use of AI in Reporting
There is no clear evidence that AI was used in crafting this article. However, certain phrases and the structured narrative could suggest the influence of AI in refining the language or flow of information, aiming for clarity in a complex situation.
In conclusion, the article does not appear to contain overt manipulative intent, but it certainly amplifies existing frustrations regarding VAR, thereby shaping public discourse around officiating in football. The reliability of the article is reasonable, given its focus on a specific event and the reactions of those involved. However, it is essential to consider the potential biases present in any reporting on controversial topics.