Rowett in V-sign fans row
DERBY manager Gary Rowett denied putting two fingers up at Forest fans yesterday. Rowett was accused of making the gesture to supporters in the Peter Taylor Stand as he walked off at the end. “No, I didn’t do that – I was trying to get four fingers up to say we have taken four points off them this season for a bit of banter,” said Rowett.
“This type of game, everyone wants to create something that looks a bit more sinister than it was. It was light-hearted banter. I yawned first half when they kept saying the same thing. It’s a bit of fun. They’re giving me a bit of stick, I’m giving them a bit back. There’s no malice involved at all.
“I admire Forest. It’s a fantastic club. But the reality is I’m Derby manager and I’m desperately trying to win the game. There was nothing malicious in this.” Back in October at Pride Park Derby beat Forest 2-0. This time they had Tom Huddlestone sent off with eight minutes to go after he received two bookings in quick succession for fouls on Lee Tomlin. Derby had all of the chances but were denied four times by goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon. It is now seven games without a win for the Rams.