What the papers say: Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest

Another 1-0 defeat, another controversial decision, as Nottingham Forest came away from Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium with nothing to show for a spirited second-half performance. Here’s what the national newspapers had to say

The Guardian

Seeing Brighton burn through the seconds by the corner flag is one of the more uncommon sights in modern sport. However, narrow wins achieved with an opponent’s assistance are hardly “on brand” for Roberto De Zerbi. But Brighton did just that thanks to an own goal from Andrew Omobamidele in the first half. ugly? A little, maybe. Essential? Completely.

Brighton’s dreams of something real and bright for their bold, fashionable football have been scuppered since the locals last trudged up from Falmer station. Traveling to Molineux and Rome has left me feeling deeply disappointed.

So now, ­barring a minor miracle against Roma on Thursday, the aim for the season is European ­re‑qualification. ­Edging past ­Nottingham Forest aids that cause no end. “I’m very happy at the reaction,” De Zerbi said. “But I had no doubts about the human qualities of my players.”

The Times

Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo criticized the deteriorating quality of refereeing in the premier league and questioned if there was a plot to demote his Nottingham Forest team.

Nuno was furious that Craig Pawson, the VAR, did not send referee Michael Salisbury to the pitchside monitor and suggest a red card for Jakub Moder’s challenge on Neco Williams in the second half while his team was behind 1-0.

Week following week. Someone wishes to minimize us? Following the 1-0 loss, Nuno stated that Forest is now in 17th place, three points ahead of Luton Town, who still had a game to play. “Why is it always us? What’s happening?”

The Telegraph

Nuno Espirito Santo asked if there was a plot to demote Nottingham Forest this season as the manager expressed his disappointment at yet another contentious officiating call.

One week after referee Paul Tierney’s error at the City Ground, which might have lost Forest a point, on Sunday, referee Michael Salisbury decided to only display Brighton’s Jakub Moder a yellow card for what appeared to be a blatant red-card offense following 67 minutes of a close match.

The Poland midfielder challenged Neco Williams in midair, and it ended with his studs in Neco Williams’ ankle. However, Salisbury was not invited to rewatch the event on the pitch-side monitor by VAR Craig Pawson.

The Sun

In a game that could have gone any way, Brighton narrowly prevailed thanks to a goal from Andrew Obamidele.

Jakub Moder’s booking for wilding lunging in on Neco Williams and landing with his studs on his ankle saved the Seagulls from going down to ten men.

Surprisingly, Craig Pawson of VAR reviewed the graphic 66th-minute incident and gave a yellow card despite initially agreeing with Michael Salisbury’s verdict.

The Seagulls’ season was on the verge of collapse following their disastrous 4-0 loss to Roma on Thursday, and they were in dire need of righting the ship.

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