BBC analyst delivers verdict on Nottingham Forest penalty controversy vs. Newcastle
Stephen Kelly has provided his opinion on the contentious penalty decision that went against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League match against Newcastle United at the City Ground.
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender and BBC Sport analyst believes Forest were wronged.
So, what did Stephen Kelly say about the contentious event during the game between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United? Let’s have a look.
Nottingham Forest denied a penalty vs Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest lost to Newcastle United at the City Ground in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Nuno’s side lost 3-2. Bruno Guimaraes scored twice for Newcastle, while Fabian Schar netted once for the visitors.
Forest’s Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi scored goals, and the club is in risk of being relegated to the Championship at the conclusion of the season.
Forest was denied two penalties. The second one was quite contentious.
Anthony Gordon gave Elanga a little nudge near the end of the first half.
Then, in the second half, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s outstretched arms took down Taiwo Awoniyi, whom Forest head coach Nuno believes will be key to the squad in the coming weeks.
BBC pundit Stephen Kelly’s verdict
It did appear to be a penalty, and while the match officials disagreed, former Tottenham defender and BBC Sport analyst Stephen Kelly was certain.
Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: “It appears that Martin Dubravka will replace Taiwo Awoniyi.” It is a penalty. Dubravka’s second arm grasps Awoniyi’s leg.
“Dubravka lifts his arm to prevent Awoniyi from passing him and reaching the ball. He does not need to do that; it creates unnecessary contact. Newcastle got away with one there.”
Forest’s defeat to Newcastle moves them to 16th in the Premier League table, with 21 points from 24 matches.
The Reds are just two points above the relegation zone. Forest has lost three of its last four Premier League games.
