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Steve Cooper has been left to count the cost of a controversial VAR decision after relegation threatened Nottingham Forest slipped to a 2-1 Premier League defeat at Brentford.
Ivan Toney appeared to be in an offside position when Josh Dasilva scored Brentford’s winning goal in stoppage time.
But after a lengthy check from VAR Neil Swarbrick, the striker was deemed onside and the goal was conceded, dealing a blow to Forest’s survival hopes.
«I really hope the decision was based on real facts and not judgement,» said the Forest Cooper boss.
“If it’s out of the game, we have to accept it. But we have to wait and see the picture they made the call from. I really hope at this stage of the season they haven’t made a call based on assumption.
“The boys are furious about this. I’m still waiting for that sharp image. It’s a huge call this time of season.
Forest had overtaken the celebrated Danilo, who celebrated his 22nd birthday with a goal in first half added time.
But Toney equalized with a free-kick with eight minutes remaining, taking his Premier League tally for the season to 20.
And with Forest reduced to 10 men after Danilo went off through injury, substitute Dasilva lashed the ball home to send Forest spinning to a seventh immediate defeat.
«It was just about accepting that Brentford would have the ball and managing it and overall we did,» added Cooper.
“We defended the placed plays well. We didn’t see each other conceding goals and I hoped we could have made better decisions when we had opportunities to break through.
“Conceding the goals we conceded is tough, for all of us. More than anything now, we have to stick together.»
The victory left Brentford in ninth place having reached the 50-point mark.
«I like it more than the 40 points everyone is talking about,» said boss Thomas Frank.
“We weren’t at our best. I think Nottingham Forest made things difficult for us and defended well. We played too slowly. We didn’t play the killer pass.
“But coming back was very, very nice. It must be hard to be in their dressing room after a good performance.»
The Bees have only lost twice at home this season, to Arsenal and Newcastle.
«Our fans help us a lot,» Frank added. «Every team needs good form at home if they are to achieve anything and we have created something truly unique.»
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