Why Nottingham Forest didn't get penalty for Everton handball

Referee Anthony Taylor gestures during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on April 21, 2024 -Credit:Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Referee Anthony Taylor gestures during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on April 21, 2024 -Credit:Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images


VAR checked two penalty appeals for Nottingham Forest against Everton but deemed neither were spot kicks.

Ashley Young was at the centre of controversy twice in the first 45 minutes, first when he brought down Gio Reyna and then when a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross struck his arm.

Referee Anthony Taylor did not award either as a penalty and both decisions were backed up by VAR checks, much to the fury of Forest fans and officials.

LIVE UPDATES: Everton vs Nottingham Forest score and goals

The ECHO understands the first appeal, which came with the game scoreless, was not viewed as a clear and obvious error. It was considered there was minimal contact between Young and Reyna.

Further questions were asked on the stroke of half-time, with Everton now leading through Idrissa Gueye’s long range strike. Morgan Gibbs-White hooked a cross to the back post, which Hudson-Odoi sought to volley across goal. The ball clearly hit the arm of Young but Taylor gave a corner, sparking outrage from Hudson-Odoi. The ECHO understands this call was also checked but Young’s arm was deemed to be in a natural position given his movements.

Young was then involved in yet another incident early in the second half, with Taylor leaving Forest furious by once again wavingf away their appeals.