Reds cry foul but ex-ref doesn't agree, while Dan is happy outside comfort zone

CARMONA HAS NO REGRETS ABOUT TURNING DOWN MOVE TO CITY GROUND

- 

NOTTINGHAM Forest find themselves at a crucial juncture as the international break hits.

The Reds are struggling for form and head coach Ange Postecoglou is under significant pressure. Winless in his first seven games in charge, the 60-year-old has made the worst start of any permanent manager for a century.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle United only intensified the spotlight on the Forest boss. Now it is over to owner Evangelos Marinakis to see what happens next and whether a departure is on the cards.

Either way, it is set to be an interesting two weeks ahead at the City Ground even without the Reds being in action.

Below is a look at the latest goings-on Trentside.

Newcastle controversy

The main frustration of the Forest hierarchy on Sunday was over the performance of the match officials.

The visitors were adamant they should have had a free-kick for a foul on Morgan Gibbs-White before the Magpies' opening goal.

Postecoglou argued the presence of VAR in the modern game means such decisions are rarely made by referees. But former referee Dermot Gallagher says Peter Bankes made the correct call on the day.

"I'm astonished what the fuss is," Gallagher said on Sky Sports' Ref Watch. "I cannot see a foul at all. He (Bruno Guimaraes) clearly gets the ball."

Pundit Jay Bothroyd added: "I agree with that. Giving fouls for that would be ridiculous! Guimaraes clearly got the ball.

"If there was no goal, it would not be a talking point. It has never been a foul. If the shoe was on the other foot, Ange would want the goal."

Player's perspective

What should have been a momentous occasion for the club last Thursday night turned ugly on the banks of the Trent.