Sport nationStan Collymore has finally had his say on the PGMOL’s judgment regarding the controversial incidents in Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat to Everton. The former player and pundit was criticized by Forest fans for his initial assessment that the team didn’t have three penalty shouts, but now an independent panel has backed up his claims.
The panel, consisting of three former players and coaches, plus a PGMOL and Premier League representative, unanimously agreed that only one incident should have resulted in a penalty. Collymore took to social media to share his thoughts, saying: “So after I got pelters from Forest fans last week after having the temerity to say I didn’t think Forest had three penalty shouts against Everton, we’ve finally had the independent panel judgement on the decisions.”
He then broke down each incident, starting with Gio Reyna’s dive: “No penalty for Gio Reyna going down too easily, as I said. Check.” Next, he addressed Ashley Young’s handball: “No penalty for Ashley Young handball as his arm was in a natural position, as I said. Check.”
However, Collymore did concede that the panel’s decision on the Young-Hudson Odoi incident was different from his initial assessment. He said: “And lastly, the panel concluded that Young on Callum Hudson Odoi was a penalty, but… The Premier League then released the audio of the Young/Hudson Odoi incident and to be honest, I still, like Stuart Atwell, think it was a tussle. A 50/50 instead of the conspiracy theory that he ‘wiped him out’.”
Despite this, Collymore was willing to accept the panel’s decision, saying: “But I’ll take the L on the last one and be happy, because, as once Meatloaf said — two outta three ain’t bad!”
Collymore’s main point was that Nottingham Forest need to move on from the incident and focus on their remaining games. He said: “Obviously Nottingham Forest have every right to be angry at the situation and how they feel the game was refereed, but at this point, it makes no difference. The result of the game isn’t going to change, the officials apologizing to them isn’t going to give them any points that they need, and they need to just focus on their final remaining games.”
He also suggested that if Forest hadn’t made a fuss on social media after the game, the incident would have been forgotten by now. Collymore added: “Everton in that time have gone on to win two more games against Liverpool and Brentford to secure their Premier League safety for next season, and Forest should focus on doing the same. The Toffees have had decisions go against them on and off the pitch this season, but they’ve rallied to improve their situation and got their rewards.”
In conclusion, Stan Collymore has had his say on the PGMOL’s judgment, and while he may have conceded on one point, he stands by his initial assessment. Nottingham Forest would do well to take his advice and focus on their remaining games, as dwelling on the past won’t change the outcome. As Collymore said, “two outta three ain’t bad,” and it’s time to move on.
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