Fans slam Jon Moss and VAR after Huddersfield denied two penalties in play-off final

Fans laid into Jon Moss and VAR after Huddersfield were denied two penalties in their play-off final defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Forest are back in the Premier League for the first time since 1999 after Levi Colwill’s own goal gave them a 1-0 win at Wembley. But Steve Cooper’s side rode their luck in the second half as Huddersfield had two good penalty appeals waved away.

The first incident came in the 72nd minute when Jack Colback appeared to trip Harry Toffolo just inside the box. Former Lincoln City midfielder Toffolo needed no invitation to hit the deck after Colback hung his leg out invitingly.

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Referee Jon Moss immediately awarded a free-kick to Forest and gave Toffolo a yellow card for simulation. The incident went upstairs to VAR, who agreed with the on-field official’s decision, despite split views on social media.

One person wrote: “Jon Moss interpreting that incident as a dive and VAR lacking the strength in conviction to inform him of the error is dispiriting. Huddersfield Town will rightfully feel robbed if the score stays as it is.”

Jack Colback appeared to trip Harry Toffolo in the first incident (Image: Sky Sports)

While someone else said: “Honestly, the fact that went to VAR and still didn’t get overturned is beyond incredible.” Others disagreed, including one user who typed: “He starts his dive before player moves his leg right decision.”

Moss, officiating in his final game before retirement, had another big decision to make ten minutes later. This time, Forest defender Max Lowe appeared to kick the back of Lewis O’Brien’s calf, causing him to go over inside the box.

Opinion was again split as an unsighted Moss dismissed Huddersfield’s appeals. Remarkably, the incident wasn’t event referred to VAR. “That’s stonewall,” wrote one disbelieving fan. Someone else added: “Most blatant penalty you’ll ever see. How does the ref or var not give that. Feel so sorry for Huddersfield fans.”

Do you think Huddersfield were robbed at Wembley? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Max Lowe’s kick on Lewis O’Brien appeared even more contentious (Image: Sky Sports)

“Had the VAR operator gone to the toilet? Clearly wasn’t watching,” added another fan. Some supporters took a different view. One claimed: “The Huddersfield player is stretching. He seems like he’s looking for a pen.”

Although the first decision appeared 50/50, the majority of fans were in agreement that Huddersfield should have been awarded a penalty for the second infringement.

The decision ultimately cost the Terriers as Forest clung on to their 1-0 advantage to secure a return to the Premier League after 23 years.

VAR didn’t want to know with the first challenge and failed to even investigate the second

Forest defender Scott McKenna didn’t care much for what had gone on during the game in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. “I don’t think it was the best of games but the main thing is we got the result and we’re promoted,” he said.

“The atmosphere around town and the City Ground has been exceptional – what a great way to do it. Steve Cooper has just given everyone confidence and freed up the attacking players. I can’t even begin to imagine what Premier League football will be like.”

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