Nottinghamshire

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Referees' chief Howard Webb has insisted there was "conclusive" evidence to disallow Nottingham Forest's goal against Tottenham Hotspur for handball by Neco Williams.

The Forest defender bundled the ball home in the 67th minute but video assistant referee Peter Bankes stepped in to rule out the goal for accidental handball.

It was a controversial incident with Williams and Forest manager Oliver Glasner adamant after the 0-0 draw that there was no proof the ball touched an arm.

"I've seen the images and the replays and at not one moment did I think I handballed it," Williams told Sky Sports.

But running through the incident on Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb backed the decision to disallow the goal.

"This is not about clear and obvious. It's about a matter of fact," said Webb.

"The VAR looks at it, initially you can hear that he's not conclusive. He doesn't feel it's quite there.

"But then when he slows it down to an appropriate pace and gets the right angle, you can see that the ball clearly and conclusively hits the right arm. You see the sleeve move.

"It's clear. It's conclusive, and the goal has to be disallowed.

"Harsh on Neco Williams, but the officials have no choice."

Greig Watson
East Midlands

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A Nottingham Forest supporters' group has written an open letter asking councillors to back expansion plans for its stadium, saying "it is the City Ground's time".

Rushcliffe Borough Council's planning committee will meet on Wednesday to consider applications from the club on proposed changes to the ground.

In June last year, the committee granted full planning permission to increase its overall capacity to 35,000, followed in January by the club submitting another set of applications to take the capacity to more than 50,000.

The Nottingham Forest Supporters' Trust (NFST) urged the authority not to let concerns over transport and supporter movement on matchdays further delay the project.

The applications consist of a bid for full planning permission to redevelop the Peter Taylor Stand and Trent End, as well as for "demolition of existing buildings/structures", and outline planning permission to redevelop the Brian Clough Stand.

Rushcliffe's planning officers have recommended councillors on the committee approve the applications, subject to conditions.

It comes days after MPs in Nottingham issued a joint statement backing development of the stadium.

The trust's letter to the committee calls Wednesday's vote a "historic opportunity for our region", adding the message was "clear and overwhelming" from fans in their support of the proposals.

Asif Naidu, NFST chair, said: "Wednesday is a historic opportunity to secure the future of our historic home. We simply have to grasp it.

"The case for approval is incredibly strong. It has clear and widespread support across the region, the club has outgrown the current ground and it is a golden and rare investment opportunity.

"Any concerns over transport and supporter flow, while understandable, can be resolved and are manageable, so they shouldn't be a barrier to giving the project the go-ahead.

"It is the City Ground's time. Let's make history on Wednesday."

Nottingham Forest will sign Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan, 18, for training compensation in January. (Irish Mirror), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Nottingham Forest striker Liam Delap, who scored his first goal since his £50m summer move to the club, has been speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham after helping the Reds secure their first victory at Aston Villa in 32 years.

The 23-year-old's clinical finish - his first competitive goal since January - and Igor Jesus' 88th-minute winner also sealed Oliver Glasner's first win of the season as head coach.

"I'm buzzing," Delap said. "We showed last week and the week before that we can compete with anyone, but we didn't get the points we deserved.

"We showed we knew where to hurt them in the first half, but we actually executed it in the second half by putting all of our strengths together.

"I still think there is probably more to come. We could have even got a few more goals against Aston Villa, but we are really happy with the win."

• Find more from Delap's chat on BBC Sounds here

Jair Cunha was a notable miss for Saturday's trip to Villa Park - and it has since been revealed he is dealing with a minor hamstring injury.

The centre-back, who has carved out a starting position this season, received a first senior call-up to the Brazil national team last week.

"It is a great opportunity for him," said former Reds midfielder Steve Hodge. "He has only played about 50 games in his senior career so far and now he has been called up by Brazil. Hopefully he can get one or two caps and show what he's worth.

"I've always felt that he can pass a ball nicely, he is calm under pressure and he has made a good impression in a quiet way at Nottingham Forest.

"Clearly the Brazil hierarchy want to have a look at him. The Copa America is two years away and the World Cup four years away, so it is a great time for him to go in and make his mark."

Listen to the full discussion by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Villa fans

Rob: Disappointing second-half performance cost us but, based on chances created, Forest deserved their win. That said, a two-footed challenge on Maatsen when both the player's feet were off the ground as he dived in has to be a straight red so I expect we will get another ProRef apology in the coming days, though a point would have been papering over the cracks. Desperate to get to the international break so that Emery can get to work with a full squad, though with two more injured after this one that looks like a distant dream. Poor from Buendia and Tammy - the rest gave their all and our young attacking trio of Mbaye, Manzambi and Alysson gives us hope.

Pammy: Unai will get the time to brainwash the newbies ready to join his 'cult' but they need to learn fast because four games in and it ain't looking good. Crazy to say, but the Spurs game could define our season!

Andy: It's not often that Villa fans criticise Unai - and rightly so... he's been amazing for four seasons. However, many think he's being too conservative and system-based. The subs and timing of them were a bit baffling against Forest - manager's error of judgement maybe. Go on Unai... take us on a crazy winning streak (again), the bad start to the season will be forgotten (again) and people will stop doubting (AGAIN)!

Chay: I feel Emery needs to start all of the new signings at this point. It's clear that the half that stayed from last season are not up to it any more and we need to freshen up our tactics to compensate this.

Forest fans

Daniel: Superb away performance from Forest, especially in the second half. Oli G's tactics suit our players, especially with Delap up top being a real menace. The goal he scored was top drawer - reminds me of a certain Stan Colllymore!

Luke: That's as good a performance as I've seen from Forest in a very long time. It's encouraging to see the Glasner blueprint coming together, and all the summer signings played a big part in this win. Still very early days but this is a great platform to build from.

Simon: Confidence in the new style of play is building. We've lost Elliot Anderson but ended up with an all-round stronger squad. I mischievously suggested Forest could make the top four - but I'm actually only half joking.

Kris: A win at Villa is as rare as an eclipse and to see it happen in such convincing fashion was better still. Schlager and McAtee were sublime, Diomande an absolute rock and Munoz has started to show why we paid £22m for a 30-year-old. Saturday was about Delap, though - what a finish and his all-round play was too much for Villa to handle.