đź”— Share this article Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match The manager said it was a 'bad day at the office' for the referees Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche was critical of the officials over a series of "bizarre" decisions in his side's narrow last-gasp 2-1 loss by City. Dyche was convinced that Rayan Cherki's 83rd-minute winner at the City Ground ought to have been ruled out for a foul on Morgan Gibbs-White during the attacking phase. He further contended that referee Rob Jones ought to have shown City defender Ruben Dias a dismissal in the second half. "Such an easy game to referee, in my opinion, such an easy decision for VAR [video assistant referee]," Dyche remarked. "After performing so admirably, to have to discuss match officials influencing the result is frustrating - yet they undeniably did. "It was plain for all in attendance and all television audiences to see." Was Cherki's winning goal legitimate? Sean Dyche has won four of his nine Premier League games in charge of Nottingham Forest Hovering just above the relegation zone, a point against an in-form City side would have moved Forest six points clear from the relegation places. But Cherki dashed their dreams as he fired in a half-volley, drilling the ball from the edge of the box past Gibbs-White. Forest players were instantly remonstrated to referee Jones, arguing that Gibbs-White had been pushed to the ground by Nico O'Reilly and unable to blocking Cherki's strike. "There's a clear push on Morgan Gibbs-White, and the identical player then becomes an obstruction," Dyche said. "He is prevented from blocking as the ball passes through where he would have been. No matter the perspective, it's an infringement." The VAR checked the goal, but in the end upheld Jones' on-field decision to stand. Dyche continued: "The likely explanation is, 'The ball wasn't in the vicinity'. To which you respond, 'So if a goalkeeper is fouled away from the play, is that acceptable?'. "It's universally understood to be a foul. I am perplexed. To then concede from that sequence is a real double blow. "I fully endorse VAR technology - I am at a loss to explain how such a clear error was made." Gibbs-White complained to referee Jones that he had been fouled in the build-up to City's late goal Should Dias have seen red? Dyche was also unhappy about Jones' decision not to send Dias off. The experienced defender received a booking for dissent in the first half, arguing about a decision against him after his challenge on Igor Jesus. Straight after the restart, Dias tripped Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was driving forward. "It's deemed unintentional. Yet an accidental foul denying a clear chance is a red. So why is this different and not a second yellow?" Dyche asked. "I find it utterly strange, truly. These are simple decisions. Show the second yellow, job done. 'You're off'. I am completely astonished." Jones gave Forest a free-kick but ignored calls by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a dismissal.