Ashley Young couldn’t help but smirk when asked about Nottingham Forest’s penalty appeals against Everton.
The Toffees defender was at the centre of the drama having been involved in three potential penalty incidents at Goodison Park, including a shout before half time with the the ball striking his outstretched arm in the Everton box.
Meanwhile, in separate incidents Young was spared punishment for clipping Gio Reyna inside the Everton box in the first half as well as for colliding with Callum Hudson-Odoi inside the Everton box after the break.
These failed penalty shouts led to Nottingham Forest posting a sensational statement on X in which they accused the PGMOL of deploying a Luton Town fan in the VAR for the match which ended 2-0 to Everton.
The post said: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
“We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”
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Knowing that the incidents had caused quite a stir on social media, Young took part in an interview published on Everton’s official media channel and gave something of a coy response when asked for his take on the incidents.
Questioned about Nottingham Forest’s penalty appeals, Young replied: “All of them were right,” with what appeared to be a wry smile on his face.
Asked specifically about the challenge on Hudson-Odoi, Young replied: “None of them were given, were they?”
Young then cracked another smile, to which the reporter asked: “What is that face saying?” to which Young responded: “It’s saying that none of them were given.
“I think they were claiming for everything. Obviously we were talking during the game and I thought the referee was spot on.”
The result sees Sean Dyche’s side go five points clear of the relegation zone, while Forest are just a point above 18th-placed Luton Town.
Forest are also facing an investigation from the FA amid the statement which has questioned the integrity of a match official.