A Premier League statement has clarified why Nottingham Forest were not awarded a first-half penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers for a potential handball, explaining that Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arm was deemed to be in “a natural position.”
Forest traveled to Molineux hoping to capitalize on a weekend where Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea all dropped points, strengthening their position in the unfolding top-four battle as the new year approaches.
The match also marked a return to Wolves for both manager Nuno Espírito Santo and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Despite boos and jeers from the home crowd, Gibbs-White made his mark early, giving Forest a seventh-minute lead. As Forest pressed to extend their advantage, controversy struck in the 34th minute.
Ola Aina’s cross from the right flank struck the arm of Wolves left-back Ait-Nouri. Replays showed a significant distance between the players at the time of contact, with Ait-Nouri’s arm appearing to move away from his body.
Despite this, referee Peter Bankes ruled no penalty, and VAR official Alex Chilowicz reviewed the play but upheld the on-field decision without referring Bankes to the pitchside monitor.
This decision left Forest’s players and manager Nuno visibly frustrated. As per protocol, the Premier League later issued an explanation via the Match Centre account on X, stating:
“The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball by Ait-Nouri was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his arm was in a natural position.”
Earlier in the game, Wolves had their own claims for a penalty dismissed when Callum Hudson-Odoi was alleged to have handled the ball.
Unlike Forest’s incident, this was not reviewed, nor was any clarification provided, leaving the home side feeling aggrieved.
Fortunately for Forest, they carried their momentum into the remainder of the half, doubling their lead through Chris Wood just before the break, ensuring a two-goal cushion despite the contentious decisions.
