🔗 Share this article Manager Dyche left 'stunned' over 'bizarre' VAR decisions in straightforward match It was a 'bad day at the office' for match officials - Dyche Forest's manager Sean Dyche expressed frustration with the officials over some "strange" decisions in his side's late 2-1 defeat by City. Dyche was convinced that Rayan Cherki's 83rd-minute winner at the City Ground ought to have been ruled out for a foul on Morgan Gibbs-White prior to the shot. He additionally argued that referee Rob Jones should have shown City defender Ruben Dias a second caution in the second half. "In my view, it was such a simple game to officiate, a very straightforward call for VAR," Dyche stated. "After performing so admirably, to have to discuss match officials influencing the result is frustrating - yet they undeniably did. "Everyone in the stadium and everyone watching at home could see that." Ought the late winner have been disallowed? The Forest boss has claimed four wins in his nine top-flight games at the helm Positioned precariously above the drop zone, a point against an in-form City side would have moved Forest a more comfortable six points ahead from the relegation places. But Cherki dashed their dreams as he slammed home a half-volley, striking the ball from the edge of the box beyond Gibbs-White. Forest players were immediately protested to referee Jones, claiming that Gibbs-White had been fouled by Nico O'Reilly and prevented from blocking Cherki's strike. "There's a clear push on Morgan Gibbs-White, and the identical player then becomes an obstruction," Dyche commented. "However, he's unable to make the block because the ball travels through the space his body would have occupied. From any angle, it's a foul." The VAR examined the play, but ultimately allowed Jones' on-field decision to stand. Dyche continued: "The likely explanation is, 'The ball wasn't in the vicinity'. To which you respond, 'So if a goalkeeper is fouled away from the play, is that acceptable?'. "It's universally understood to be a foul. I am perplexed. To then concede from that sequence is a real double blow. "I am a strong supporter of VAR - I cannot comprehend how they missed that." Gibbs-White complained to referee Jones that he had been fouled in the build-up to City's late goal Should Dias have seen red? Dyche was also unhappy about Jones' decision not to send Dias off. The center-back received a initial caution for dissent in the first half, complaining about a decision against him following his challenge on Igor Jesus. Immediately after halftime, Dias brought down Igor Jesus again as the Forest forward was breaking upfield. "It's deemed unintentional. Yet an accidental foul denying a clear chance is a red. So why is this different and not a second yellow?" Dyche said. "I just find it bizarre, I really do. And I think these are easy things. Just give him a second yellow, that's it. 'Off you go'. I'm absolutely stunned." Jones awarded Forest a free-kick but ignored calls by Igor Jesus and other Forest players to show Dias a dismissal.