Sean Dyche: Nottingham Forest boss ‘stunned’ by ‘bizarre’ VAR decisions in Man City defeat

A point against an in-form City team sitting just above the relegation zone would take Forest six points clear of West Ham in the round of 18.

However, Cherki dashed their hopes by passing the ball between Gibbs-White’s legs from the edge of the penalty area and volleying a half-volley into the goal.

Forest players were quick to complain to referee Jones, arguing that Gibbs-White was brought down by Nico O’Reilly and prevented from blocking Cherki’s strike.

“Morgan Gibbs-White is quite clearly pushed down and the same player is involved in blocking the ball,” Dyche said.

“But he can’t block it because, as he jumps, it goes through the part of his body that he’s blocking. Whichever way you look at it, it’s a foul.”

VAR checked the goal but ultimately allowed Jones’ on-field decision to stand.

Dyche added: “They’ll say, ‘Yeah, the ball wasn’t there.’ And you’ll say, ‘Okay, if the ball isn’t near the goalkeeper and you push the goalkeeper down, will that be a foul?’ you say.

“We all know it is. I can’t figure it out. And then they score, which is double trouble.

“I’m a big fan of VAR; I don’t understand how you can’t get it right.”

Former referee Darren Cann told BBC Match of the Day: “The video assistant referee naturally checked the goal and concluded that no ‘clear and obvious’ mistake had been made. I agree.

“This was a decision that will divide opinion; some will agree it was a good goal, others will think it was a foul. So the ‘referee’s goal’ decision must stand.”