Aoba Tanaka 
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressed frustration over a controversial incident involving James Maddison during their 3-1 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday. Nuno Espirito argued that Maddison should have been sent off for allegedly punching Ryan Yates in the stomach during the first half of the match.
Despite the incident occurring just before half-time with the score level at 1-1, referee Simon Hooper chose not to issue any cards to either player after speaking to both Maddison and Yates. Additionally, the video assistant referee (VAR) did not intervene in the matter, much to Nuno’s surprise.
“It’s a red card,” Nuno asserted during an interview with BBC Match of the Day. “Maddison lost composure and punched Yates in the stomach. What they saw clearly is not the same as we saw. I wouldn’t speak if I wasn’t 100% sure.”
Nuno’s dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision was echoed by Forest midfielder Yates, who acknowledged Maddison’s importance to the Tottenham side but emphasized his responsibility to disrupt the opposition’s momentum.
“James Maddison is a good player, I know he makes them tick. It’s my job to disrupt the momentum,” Yates commented to Sky Sports. “A few decisions probably didn’t go our way but we’ve seen the inconsistency in the Premier League this season.”
Despite the contentious incident, Tottenham secured a crucial victory that propelled them to fourth place in the Premier League standings, while Nottingham Forest remained 17th, narrowly avoiding the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference.
The incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding refereeing decisions and the role of VAR in English football, highlighting the need for consistency and clarity in officiating.
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