Richard Keys blasts Paul Tierney and ‘joke’ FA after Nottingham Forest controversy

Latest Nottingham Forest news as fallout from Reds’ controversial defeat to Liverpool at the City Ground continues

Pundit Richard Keys has argued Nottingham Forest deserve an apology from the Football Association, rather than being charged.

The Reds and coach Steven Reid have been charged by the FA after their protests at the end of last Saturday’s controversial 1-0 defeat to Liverpool. A mistake from referee Paul Tierney left Forest fuming and led to angry scenes after the final whistle at the City Ground. The club have been charged with failing to ensure their players and technical staff behave properly, with Reid having been shown a red card for confronting the officials. But Keys has sympathy with the Reds and has blasted the FA as “a joke” while accusing Tierney of arrogance.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Instead of charging Forest the FA should be apologising. What a joke. Have they charged the arrogant ref who refused to listen to colleagues on the day telling people ‘I’m the boss’?”

Forest were left furious they did not get the ball back, despite having possession when play was stopped for a potential head injury to Ibrahima Konate in the 97th minute of the match. Tierney opted for a drop-ball at the feet of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The visitors went on to win a corner, from which Darwin Nunez scored.

In addition to Reid being sent off, unused substitute Felipe was booked for his protests at the end of the game. Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis was also pitchside, but the club dismissed suggestions he “chased” the referee down the tunnel and had to be restrained by security. Marinakis did try to question the officials about the circumstances leading to Liverpool’s goal but they made their way into the referee’s room.

In a statement, the FA said: “Nottingham Forest and Steven Reid have been charged following their Premier League game against Liverpool on Saturday 2 March. It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure its players and/or technical area occupants don’t behave in an improper way after the final whistle.

“It’s further alleged that the coach’s language towards a match official after the final whistle was abusive and/or insulting, which led to his dismissal, and it’s also alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official after being sent off.

“Nottingham Forest and Steven Reid both have until Wednesday 13 March to provide their respective responses to these charges.”