Nottingham Forest were correctly awarded one penalty and denied another in their narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, according to former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Hackett shared his analysis of the two key incidents from the 30 November clash exclusively with Football Insider. The match was decided by a Chris Wood penalty early in the second half, continuing the striker’s strong form under manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
However, controversy arose moments later when Wood was denied a second penalty, with referee Tony Harrington waving away appeals after a challenge from Jens Cajuste. Hackett has now weighed in, praising the officiating for making the correct calls on both occasions.
After a goalless opening half, Nottingham Forest took the lead just four minutes into the second period.
Sammie Szmodics clipped the leg of Jota Silva in the Ipswich box while attempting to win the ball, and referee Harrington pointed to the spot. Wood converted confidently to secure what proved to be the winning goal.
Chris Wood correctly denied second penalty
The drama continued as Forest sought a second penalty. Wood went down under a challenge from Cajuste, but replays showed the Ipswich midfielder made clear contact with the ball. VAR reviewed the incident and upheld Harrington’s decision not to award a second spot-kick.
Hackett supported both decisions, telling Football Insider:
“It was the correct award of a penalty kick to Nottingham Forest after a clear trip inside the penalty area. Referee Harrington was correct in his decision, and Chris Wood blasts it into the net to make it 1-0.
“There was a VAR check for another possible foul on Wood and another appeal for a penalty kick. However, after the video review, a second penalty wasn’t awarded. Another correct decision.”
The victory keeps Nottingham Forest in sixth place, just a point off the Champions League spots in what has been an impressive start to their season. Meanwhile, Ipswich remain second-from-bottom in the Premier League, a precarious position that could force their hand in the January transfer window if results don’t improve.
With Forest flying high and Ipswich under pressure, the contrasting trajectories of these two sides could define the coming months for both clubs.
