PL make announcement for Nottingham Forest vs Southampton that won’t please supporters – opinion

Referee announced for Nottingham Forest vs Southampton

The Premier League have announced the referee appointments for matchweek 22 and it’s concerning news for Forest fans.

Anthony Taylor will take the officiating lead in the clash, with some fans particularly suspicious of his abilities due to his history with the club.

Taylor most recently officiated Espirito Santo’s team in Forest’s 3-1 loss to Newcastle in November. Kevin Nolan felt that Dan Burn ought to have been sent off, but the referee failed to see it.

Taylor’s performance in the Newcastle loss was also criticized by Forest supporters, which will only heighten their worries as they welcome him back to the City Ground on Sunday. The Newcastle game, though, wasn’t even the most contentious Forest match Taylor has officiated.

Anthony Taylor refereed the infamous Nottingham Forest vs Everton clash

Despite being the on-field referee and mostly criticizing the VAR officials in the statement, Taylor did nothing to address the penalty claims, which continue to enrage Forest supporters to this day.

Forest supporters will be hoping that Taylor’s performance and the subsequent off-field controversy, which resulted in Evangelos Marinakis having to pay a fine that the team could do better, won’t happen again.

Nottingham Forest have released a statement on social media following the defeat against Everton.#BBCFootball #EVENFO pic.twitter.com/2O3qM0nB4L

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 21, 2024

In April 2024, Forest lost to Everton amidst three debatable penalty calls that Taylor went against the Forest squad on, leading to the club releasing a statement criticising the officiating in the game.

Alan Shearer was critical of Forest’s statement which would eventually lead to Forest being punished by the FA for criticising VAR.