Nottingham Forest has been fined £750,000 by the Football Association (FA) after the club’s social media post last season was deemed an “unparalleled attack on the integrity of a match official.” The post, which criticized Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell, followed a 2-0 defeat to Everton on 21 April, where Forest was involved in a relegation battle.
The club alleged that Attwell, the VAR for the match, was a fan of Luton Town, another team struggling against relegation, and criticized three penalty decisions that went against them. Despite Forest’s denial that they had questioned the integrity of the officials, an independent commission ruled against them, citing a “lack of genuine remorse.” The panel found Attwell to be the “victim” of the post, which it described as “ill-chosen and irresponsible.”
The post, made on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the match, came after Forest was left frustrated by the referee’s failure to award three penalty appeals. One of the incidents involved Everton’s Ashley Young handling the ball, while another saw Young tangled with Callum Hudson-Odoi as he was closing in on goal. An independent review panel later concluded that Forest should have been awarded a penalty for Young’s challenge on Hudson-Odoi.
Forest’s social media post claimed they had warned the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) that the VAR assigned to the match was a Luton supporter, yet no change was made. Though Attwell was not named directly in the post, the reference was clear, leading the FA to charge the club for what it described as a “direct and public attack.” The FA initially sought a fine exceeding £1 million.
The independent commission’s written judgment highlighted Forest’s failure to show accountability for the post, describing it as “irresponsible” and noting that no individual could be identified as the author of the comments. The post, according to the commission, reflected a “cavalier approach” by the club. The commission also criticized Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who suggested in an interview weeks later that referees might hold a “vendetta” against the club.
Howard Webb, PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, stated that the post had the potential to normalize attacks on officials. The panel also criticized Forest’s communications department for not taking steps to remove the offending post or issue an apology to Attwell.
Forest, expressing disappointment with the outcome, announced plans to appeal the fine, which they described as “disproportionate” and excessive. The club also voiced concern over the FA’s original request for a fine over £1 million.
In addition to the fine, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo and defender Neco Williams were sanctioned for their comments about the officiating in the same match. Nuno received a suspended one-match touchline ban and a £40,000 fine, while Williams was fined £24,000. Both were warned about their future conduct.
Forest’s issues with the FA have continued, with Nuno facing another charge in September for being sent off during a match against Brighton. Meanwhile, Marinakis was charged for improper conduct after an incident following Forest’s loss to Fulham.
Currently sitting 10th in the Premier League, Forest will return to action on 21 October when they face Crystal Palace at home.
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