Preston North End boss Alex Neil slammed referee Tim Robinson for his “unforgivable” error against Nottingham Forest.
Alex Neil on ‘Unforgiveable’ Error Against Nottingham Forest
Neil: To Miss the Second Bit Is Unforgivable Because It’s Cost Us the Match
The Lilywhites were beaten 1-0 by struggling Nottingham Forest after Robinson awarded the visitors a controversial second-half penalty.
While the decision to give the Reds a spot-kick raised eyebrows itself, the manner in which Lewis Grabban scored also raised questions.
Speaking afterwards to NottinghamshireLive, Neil failed to admit it was a “clear penalty” but argued Grabban struck the ball twice as he slipped over from the penalty spot.
He said: “The penalty, I’ve seen them given. I wouldn’t say it’s a clear penalty, but I can understand them potentially giving it because it does hit his arm.
“The disappointing thing is the next bit because it’s decided the game and it’s had two touches, I’ve seen it back on numerous occasions since.
“He has certainly taken two touches; the referee gave the penalty which I was disappointed with but to miss the second bit is unforgivable because it’s cost us the match.
“There isn’t a lot to take into account, you watch the ball, the goalie and the guys encroaching – it should be quite straightforward.
“You can always tell from players’ reactions, especially Declan [Rudd] who runs up to the referee immediately and I think the referee knows he’s made a real error which is disappointing.
“I didn’t have any issue with the referee in general and I do think he is a good referee, but that one key moment he got it wrong for the first time.”
Forest boss Chris Hughton refused to get drawn into a matter of words, saying: “At the time, I couldn’t see and you can’t see from the camera angle we’ve got.
“But what I’ve been told is, yes, he did slip, but it wasn’t actually two touches on the ball. He slipped and he’s actually kicked himself.”
The victory lifts Nottingham Forest out of the relegation zone, above rivals Derby County, after a second win in five matches.
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