Nottingham Forest players and staff were left furious with Paul Tierney’s decision to give Liverpool possession at an uncontested drop ball, which ultimately led to the title chasers 99th minute winner at the City Ground.
Ryan Yates confirmed that ref Paul Tierney got it wrong at the City Ground – but said Nottingham Forest will use their hurt to fuel their survival fight.
The skipper of the City Ground club was told by the match official that Liverpool were supposed to take possession after play was stopped for a head injury to Ibrahima Konate in the dying seconds.
Moments later, at the other end of the pitch, Darwin Nunez’s header caused uproar and Yates gave his version at the final whistle.
He said: “The referee told me: ‘That’s the rule, they get the ball.’ I honestly don’t know how that is possible.
“We were in the ascendancy. We had a corner. There was just a coming together and we were going to put another ball. Into the box.
“Then, suddenly, while we’re switched off, they’re allowed to get the ball to the other end of the pitch and put us under pressure. It’s strange, very strange.”
Forest travel to Brighton next week and Yates says the error – in addition to those suffered by the club against Newcastle United and West Ham – will be used positively.
“We’ve got to use it to drive us on – I think we have to. We’ve got no choice. We need to start picking up points.
“Playing well is all well and good but you can’t keep playing well – week in, week out – and not pick anything up.
“We’ll look at what we’ve done well in previous weeks and I’m sure the points will come.”
Liverpool’s winner came through substitute Nunez, who had been chided by Forest supporters upon his arrival with the chant: “You’re just a s*** Andy Carroll”.
Those words were rammed back down their throats in spectacular fashion by the striker when he supplied the controversial late blow, his 19th overall this term and sixth in his last eight games.
“A late goal is always super-decisive and for him, super-deserved,” said Jurgen Klopp. “But before people start singing the song more often, that’s the best way to calm it down immediately.
“They can sing it – if Darwin responds like he did today. I understood it. I think he understood it. It’s the best answer.”
