Brenn guns in Forest winner
BUT TIGERS BOSS BLASTS REF FOR ‘HOWLER’ PENALTY
HULL boss Grant Mccann gave referee John Busby both barrels after seeing his side’s six-match unbeaten run come to an end.
A controversial penalty turned this game on its head, with Nottingham Forest coming from behind to extend their amazing run to one defeat in 15 thanks to Brennan Johnson’s winner.
Busby decided George Honeyman had tripped Forest sub Alex Mighten, who then needed lengthy treatment. Lewis Grabban converted the spot-kick to wipe out Keane Lewispotter’s opener and Johnson secured the points when he chested down Grabban’s cross and converted six yards out.
Mccann blasted: “It is an absolute howler by the referee.
“George Honeyman is icing a gashed shin. He (Mighten) has kicked George and George has taken the ball.
“It is crazy at this level of football that this decision can go so wrong, given the fact the referee was five yards from the play. I am not one to criticise refs, but that one was an embarrassing decision.”
Mccann was booked for protesting at the end of a match in which Forest were dominant.
Manager Steve Cooper was delighted with the spirit of his team.
He said: “Coming into half-time when you have dominated and are 1-0 down can sometimes be a difficult one to handle. Then we get an injury and have to change shape – and the players came out and the response was fantastic.
“Alex did brilliantly to win the penalty, that’s what we asked him to do.
“Unfortunately, as a consequence, he had to come off injured and then Lewis does brilliantly down the side and Brennan shows amazing composure.”
Forest should have been ahead before they went behind. Instead came a perfect example of what happens when you let your concentration slip.
The injured Jordi Oseitutu was being subbed for Mighten and when play restarted, Sean Mcloughlin spotted Lewis-potter on a run. The Hull wing-back was like greased lightning and his finish gave Brice Samba no chance.
But then came Hull’s spot of bother before Johnson completed the comeback.