🔗 Share this article 'Such an easy game to ref' - Dyche 'stunned' by 'bizarre' VAR calls 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 some "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 infringement on Morgan Gibbs-White during the attacking phase. He additionally argued that referee Rob Jones should have shown City defender Ruben Dias a dismissal in the second half. "In my view, it was such a simple game to officiate, a very straightforward call for VAR," Dyche said. "After performing so admirably, to have to discuss match officials influencing the result is frustrating - yet they undeniably did. "Everyone in the stadium and everyone watching at home could see that." Ought the late winner have been disallowed? Dyche has secured four victories from nine league matches since taking over at Forest Positioned precariously above the drop zone, a point against an high-flying City side would have moved Forest six points clear from the relegation places. But Cherki shattered their aspirations as he fired in a half-volley, striking the ball from the edge of the box beyond 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 prevented from blocking Cherki's strike. "Morgan Gibbs-White is obviously shoved to the ground, and that very player then impedes the shot," Dyche commented. "But he can't block it because as he jumps up, it goes through the bit of his body which he would have blocked it with. Whichever way you look at it it's a foul." The VAR reviewed the incident, but in the end upheld Jones' on-field decision to stand. Dyche added: "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'm a big fan of VAR - I can't work out how you can't get that right." Gibbs-White remonstrated with official Jones, claiming a foul before the decisive goal Was Dias fortunate to avoid a second yellow? Dyche was further angered about Jones' decision not to send Dias off. The Portugal defender received a booking for dissent in the first half, protesting about a decision against him following his challenge on Igor Jesus. Immediately after halftime, Dias fouled Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was advancing with the ball. "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 just find it bizarre, I really do. And I think these are easy things. Just give him a second yellow, that's it. 'Off you go'. I'm absolutely stunned." Jones gave Forest a free-kick but disregarded appeals by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a second booking.