Nottingham Forest ‘have to trust’ referees this season, says Nuno

Nuno Espirito Santo stated that Nottingham Forest “have to trust” referees to make correct decisions in the upcoming season as he attempts to temper his previous criticism.

Forest’s manager expects Howard Webb, the former World Cup final referee who oversees top-level officiating in England, to improve standards.

Both Nuno and Forest defender Neco Williams were fined and warned about their future conduct by the Football Association after criticizing referees following last season’s defeat by Everton.

Nuno received a £40,000 fine and a suspended one-game touchline ban until 31 May 2026, while Williams was fined £24,000.

Forest experienced three penalty decisions against them during their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Goodison Park in April.

Afterward, Nuno expressed dissatisfaction with the referees’ performance over a period, and Williams shared similar sentiments.

This summer, Nuno spoke with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) boss Webb.

Addressing his previous criticism just hours before his punishment was announced on Thursday, Nuno expressed a desire to refrain from complaining about decisions in the new campaign, saying, “I hope not, honestly.”

“We had a nice meeting, the managers, and he [Webb] explained in detail the changes that they want to implement. Decisions to take less time, better decisions, I’m confident.

“I’m really confident after the meetings we’ve had things will improve, not only for Forest but for all the Premier League. They are trying very hard to improve. We have to trust the referees.”

A verdict has yet to be reached regarding the charge against Forest as a club following the Everton game, in response to an angry statement posted on X that was viewed over 45 million times just minutes after the final whistle.

Forest will commence their 2024-25 Premier League season against Bournemouth at the City Ground on Saturday.

During his pre-match news conference, Nuno spoke about match officials, stating: “When people tell you and speak to you and you see their desire to improve, we have to trust them, and we as a club have to trust them.”

BBC Sport understands that the Premier League has communicated with clubs and managers about how public criticism of the video assistant referee (VAR) system undermines the game, and there will be a new focus on regulating such comments.

Sources informed BBC Sport that the Premier League believes it has become too easy to blame VAR as a deflection.

In June, Premier League clubs voted 19-1 to retain VAR for the new season after Wolves triggered a vote on the technology by formally submitting a resolution in May.

For VAR to be scrapped, 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs needed to vote in favor, but only Wolves supported the proposal.

Changes are being implemented this season to reduce delays in the game, with the introduction of semi-automated offsides expected by October.