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Forest boss Cooper says referee Attwell 'apologised' for Surridge mistake

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Tuesday May 3, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Bournemouth. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Tuesday May 3, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Bournemouth. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA

NOTTINGHAM Forest boss Steve Cooper says he has received an apology from referee Stuart Attwell after a big call went against his side last night.

With their crunch promotion clash against Cherries locked at 0-0, Sam Surridge went through on goal with 41 minutes on the clock.

The former Cherries striker appeared to be tripped by goalkeeper Mark Travers in the penalty area, but play was pulled back due to an offside flag raised by Constantine Hatzidakis. Replays suggested Surridge was in fact being played onside by Adam Smith.

Cherries went on to win 1-0 thanks to Kieffer Moore's goal, which secured promotion and meant Forest had to settle for a place in the play-offs.

"Firstly, congratulations to Bournemouth," said Forest boss Cooper.

"Getting promoted from any league is hard to do, especially this one. So we must show respect to that.

"First half we were good, we created the chances in the game and really took the game to Bournemouth. We didn't quite manage to take the opportunities we created."

Reflecting on the decision not to award his side a penalty, Cooper added: "The referee has just pulled me in and apologised for the decision.

"I've seen it back as well, so that's frustrating to say the least.

"He's just pulled me in now, I think he's trying to soften me up! But that didn't go our way."

He continued: "Second half we didn't play as well, there's no doubt about that.

"I didn't really feel like we were in great danger of conceding, but we definitely could play a lot better with the ball, like we did in the first half.

"And then the set piece is obviously the difference to the scoreline. So we come away disappointed, but we have to get over it."