Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo and Neco Williams have been fined for accusing referees of bias after losing to Everton last season.

In a statement, the FA said it had sanctioned Nuno and Williams for improper conduct, in that they had “implied bias and/or questioned the integrity of the match officials”.

The Forest manager was left incensed after three penalty appeals were denied by match officials in a 2-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on 21 April.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, which was an important match in terms of the club’s battle for Premier League survival, Espirito Santo claimed referee decisions had regularly and unfairly gone against the club.

Forest narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season, despite suffering a four point deduction following an admitted breach of league sustainability rules.

He added: “We feel [Professional Game Match Officials Limited] are taking things away from us and it’s very hard not to react to it.”

The Forest manager has been handed a one match touchline ban, suspended until 31 May 2026, and a £40,000 fine. He has also been given a warning as to future conduct.

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Williams also told Sky Sports there were “three blatant penalties” during the game and asked: “Is it because we are lower bottom half table teams?

“I guarantee top-six teams are getting every single one of them. It’s ridiculous.”

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Williams was issued a £24,000 fine and a warning for future conduct.

The FA added that the case in relation to Nottingham Forest’s comments on social media following the match remained ongoing.

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