Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match
The manager said it was a 'bad day at the office' for the referees
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche voiced his anger at the officials over some "perplexing" decisions in his side's heartbreaking 2-1 loss by Manchester City.
The manager believed Rayan Cherki's late winner at the City Ground deserved to be ruled out for a push on Morgan Gibbs-White prior to the shot.
He further contended that referee Rob Jones should have shown City defender Ruben Dias a second yellow card in the second half.
"In my view, it was such a simple game to officiate, a very straightforward call for VAR," Dyche remarked.
"When you played so well, to come in and have to talk about officials affecting the game - but they clearly did.
"Everyone in the stadium and everyone watching at home could see that."
Was Cherki's winning goal legitimate?
Sean Dyche has won four of his nine Premier League games in charge of Nottingham Forest
Sitting just outside the bottom three, a point against an in-form City side would have moved Forest six points clear from the relegation places.
But Cherki dashed their dreams as he slammed home a half-volley, blasting the ball from the edge of the box past Gibbs-White.
Forest players were quick to complain to referee Jones, claiming that Gibbs-White had been knocked over by Nico O'Reilly and unable to blocking Cherki's strike.
"There's a clear push on Morgan Gibbs-White, and the identical player then becomes an obstruction," Dyche explained.
"However, he's unable to make the block because the ball travels through the space his body would have occupied. From any angle, it's a foul."
The VAR examined the play, but ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand.
Dyche continued: "The likely explanation is, 'The ball wasn't in the vicinity'. To which you respond, 'So if a goalkeeper is fouled away from the play, is that acceptable?'.
"We all know it is. I can't work it out. And then they score from it, which is the double whammy.
"I fully endorse VAR technology - I am at a loss to explain how such a clear error was made."
Gibbs-White complained to referee Jones that he had been fouled in the build-up to City's late goal
Was Dias fortunate to avoid a second yellow?
Dyche was also unhappy about Jones' decision not to send Dias off.
The center-back received a first yellow card for dissent in the first half, complaining about a decision against him following his challenge on Igor Jesus.
Straight after the restart, Dias tripped Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was driving forward.
"The argument is it was accidental. But if that's an accidental foul when through on goal, it's a sending-off. So how can it be accidental yet not warrant a booking?" Dyche asked.
"I just find it bizarre, I really do. And I think these are easy things. Just give him a second yellow, that's it. 'Off you go'. I'm absolutely stunned."
Jones gave Forest a free-kick but disregarded appeals by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a second yellow card.