Nottingham Forest Had Goal Controversially Ruled Out vs Liverpool – Here’s Why

Nottingham Forest fans were left stunned and furious on Saturday afternoon after seeing their side have a crucial goal controversially ruled out at Anfield during their Premier League clash with Liverpool. What looked like a perfectly valid goal quickly turned into one of the most talked-about VAR decisions of the weekend, sparking heated debate among supporters, pundits and neutrals.

Forest had made a strong start to the match and even took the lead earlier in the game through Murillo, a moment that already carried controversy. Liverpool manager Arne Slot was convinced the opener should have been ruled out for offside, comparing the situation to Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed header against Manchester City before the international break. Despite the protests, the goal stood, and Forest suddenly found themselves in control.

Minutes later, they thought they had doubled their advantage. The ball fell kindly for Igor Jesus in the penalty area, and the forward showed excellent composure by taking it down and smashing it past Alisson Becker into the bottom corner. The Forest players wheeled away in celebration, and the away fans erupted, believing their team had gone 2-0 up at Anfield.

However, the celebrations did not last long. The referee immediately blew his whistle, signalling for a handball in the build-up. Jesus looked confused, and replays shown in the stadium suggested the ball struck his shoulder or upper chest rather than his arm. The contact did not appear deliberate or illegal, leaving many questioning why the goal had been cancelled.

As expected, VAR stepped in to review the incident. Forest players surrounded the referee, pleading their case, while Liverpool fans held their breath, hoping the decision would stand. Despite multiple angles clearly showing the ball making contact with the shoulder, VAR upheld the referee’s original call and confirmed that the goal should not stand.

The Premier League later released an official statement on X, explaining the decision. According to the league, VAR concluded that Igor Jesus “accidentally handled the ball before scoring,” therefore making the goal invalid under current handball laws. This explanation did little to calm the storm surrounding the incident.

Nottingham Forest supporters erupted on social media, labelling the call one of the worst decisions of the season. Many expressed disbelief, arguing that the footage made the situation “as clear cut as it gets” and insisting the decision was an “absolute disgrace.” Several neutral fans echoed the sentiment, suggesting that VAR had once again failed to apply the rules consistently.

The controversy was made even worse by the game situation. A 2-0 lead at Anfield would have put Forest in a commanding position and dramatically shifted the momentum. Instead, the match remained 1-0, giving Liverpool a lifeline as they tried to recover from a difficult run of form. The Reds had lost seven of their previous ten matches across all competitions and were desperate to get back on track after the international break.

Liverpool’s challenge was further complicated by injuries to key players, including Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley. The team’s recent struggles have been tied heavily to squad depth issues, making the disallowed goal a moment of huge relief for the home side.

Despite the missed opportunity for Forest, the controversy has sparked major conversations about officiating standards in the Premier League. Critics argue that the handball rule continues to be applied inconsistently, while others believe VAR should be more decisive when visual evidence is clear. Matches involving handball controversies have become a recurring theme this season, intensifying pressure on referees and technology officials.

For Nottingham Forest, the frustration is understandable. Moments like these can define seasons, especially for teams looking to secure safety or push into the top half of the table. The sense of injustice was palpable both on the field and among the fanbase, who feel the decision robbed their team of a crucial advantage at one of the league’s toughest stadiums.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will feel relieved but know improvements are still needed. Although the decision allowed them to stay alive in the match, their performance raised familiar concerns that the club must address moving forward. Injuries, inconsistency and pressure from fans have all contributed to a challenging spell for Arne Slot’s side.

As the debate continues across social media and football platforms, this moment will likely be revisited throughout the season as an example of how contentious VAR decisions can reshape the narrative of a match. For now, though, Forest leave Anfield feeling hard done by, while Liverpool escape a moment that could have changed the game entirely