Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has launched a scathing attack on the Premier League's latest attempt to improve VAR transparency, branding the new on-pitch explanation protocol a complete 'waste of time'.
Dyche's Fury After Molineux Delay
The fiery comments came after his team secured a crucial 1-0 victory away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night. The win was marred, however, by a significant early delay when a Forest goal was disallowed following a VAR check that took over five minutes to complete.
Brazilian forward Igor Jesus thought he had given the visitors the lead, but his effort was ruled out because teammate Dan Ndoye was adjudged to be in an offside position, interfering with Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The protracted review was further extended when referee Tim Robinson followed the new league directive to explain the decision to the crowd via the stadium's microphone.
'I just think it's a waste,' Dyche stated emphatically after the match. 'It's already taken forever. Just call it and get on with it. I really don't understand it.'
'Why Put Referees Under More Pressure?'
Dyche, 54, expanded on his criticism, arguing that the new layer of public communication only adds unnecessary pressure to match officials. He expressed sympathy for referees while questioning the logic of the change.
'I personally, I think referees have a hard job and I think they do a great job overall,' he said. 'Why put them under more pressure? You know, it's not natural for everyone to want to speak in front of 20, 40, 50, 60, 70,000 people.'
He concluded with a plea for simplicity: 'So why put that on their plate as well? Why not just let them officiate. I'm saying take it off them. Give them just a chance to officiate. Give them a chance to breathe and get their job done without layering up more and more and more on top.'
Jesus Seals Vital Win for Forest
Despite the early setback, Igor Jesus proved to be the match-winner, scoring his first Premier League goal in the second half to secure all three points for Forest. The summer signing had previously netted five times in cup competitions.
Dyche refused to label his emotion as 'relief' after the goal. 'They want rewards for their work and he worked hard and stayed strong,' he told BBC Match of the Day. 'He kept his eye on the ball, brilliant cross in and he takes a couple of steps and it's brave. Tonight it was his night because it's a big win for us.'
The result lifts Nottingham Forest four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, though West Ham United could reduce that gap later in the week. For Wolves, managed by Rob Edwards, the situation grows increasingly desperate. The defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points from 14 games.
'We lost the game in the first half, no intensity,' a dejected Edwards admitted. 'Didn't take risks, played too safe. It was almost like we were waiting to get beat and that hurts. Bit of a reaction in second half but not enough. Really disappointing night.'
