Nottingham Forest’s first-team coach Steven Reid has received an extended two-match touchline ban and a £5,000 fine from the Football Association due to misconduct during a confrontation with referee Paul Tierney after Forest’s match against Liverpool earlier this month.
Reid was found to have used an expletive phrase towards Tierney on multiple occasions, leading to the ban and fine. Additionally, Nottingham Forest has been fined £75,000 for their part in the incident, as they failed to ensure their players and technical staff behaved appropriately after the final whistle. The club admitted to the charge.
The incident occurred after Darwin Nunez’s 99th-minute winning goal for Liverpool at the City Ground. Forest had control of the ball outside the penalty area when the game was stopped due to a head injury to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. Tierney’s decision to restart the game with a drop-ball that led to Liverpool’s goal sparked controversy and led to the confrontation between Reid and Tierney.
Although Reid admitted to using abusive language, he denied continuing to do so after being sent off. However, reports from assistant referees and Tierney indicated otherwise, leading to the charge being proven.
This is not the first time Nottingham Forest has faced sanctions for improper behavior towards match officials, and the regulatory commission warned that future breaches may result in more severe consequences.
