Nottingham Forest to File Complaint After Everton Incident

Nottingham Forest intends to file a formal complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following their recent match against Everton, where they believe defender James Tarkowski should have received a red card. The incident occurred during Everton’s decisive 3-0 victory on December 6, 2025, at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which propelled Everton to fifth place in the Premier League standings.

The controversy centers on an incident in the 11th minute involving Tarkowski and Forest’s Dan Ndoye. According to Nottingham Forest officials, Tarkowski aggressively barged into Ndoye off the ball, a moment the referee failed to notice. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene, leaving Forest management reportedly “furious” over the lack of action regarding what they consider violent conduct.

Sean Dyche, who was managing Everton for the first time since his dismissal at the beginning of 2025, expressed his surprise over the incident, stating, “I’m amazed big Tarky got away with that.” Dyche’s comments highlight the potential impact that the referee’s oversight could have had on the match’s outcome.

Nottingham Forest, currently battling relegation, now sits 17th in the Premier League table, just above the relegation zone occupied by West Ham, who have a game in hand. The club’s management is seeking an explanation from PGMOL regarding the officiating decision, reflecting their commitment to ensuring fair play in the league.

The complaint filed by Nottingham Forest is part of a broader discussion about officiating standards in the Premier League. With the stakes high for teams facing relegation, the integrity of match officiating is under increased scrutiny. The outcome of this complaint could have implications not just for the current situation involving Tarkowski but also for how similar incidents are handled in the future.

As the football season progresses, Nottingham Forest’s management will be watching closely how PGMOL addresses their concerns, as they aim for clarity and accountability in officiating decisions that can significantly affect the fortunes of clubs at both ends of the table.