Nottingham Forest

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

The FA will be forced to pay Nottingham Forest a significant sum after losing a landmark legal case with the Premier League club.

Forest faced disciplinary proceedings following their 2-0 defeat by Everton in April last year — a game that included three disputed penalty appeals — having posted on social media that they had warned the PGMOL that the VAR in the game, Stuart Attwell, was a supporter of relegation rivals Luton Town.

But Forest then complained that the barrister appointed to chair the disciplinary panel had been "biased" against them after the club questioned the £1m fine being sought by the FA.

Graeme McPherson KC had said at that hearing that he rejected "the club's somewhat hysterical submission".

However, lawyers have now found that McPherson's comment could be viewed as an "unjustified, inappropriate, and personal attack on the club" after they were fined £750,000 for the social media message, which was posted on platform X.

When Forest appealed the fine, McPherson was selected by the FA to chair the appeal.

However, Forest objected to that appointment because of his previous comments. McPherson eventually recused citing "pre-existing commitments".

But in October, the City Ground club were fined £125,000 for their part in a mass confrontation with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with their opponents also fined £40,000.

Forest appealed against that decision too, with McPherson once more appointed as the chair of the disciplinary panel.

The club argued that his appointment was inappropriate because of the "hysterical" remark and sought an arbitration hearing to resolve the issue.

And that hearing has agreed with Forest, concluding that this was "a case where apparent bias has been made out".

"There can be no doubt but that the description … as 'somewhat hysterical' can fairly be said to be, and would be seen by the notional fair-minded independent observer to be, an unjustified, inappropriate, and personal attack on the club and its legal representatives," the three-person panel, led by Kim Franklin KC, said.

McPherson contested Forest's view but the panel said his use of "hysterical" was "inherently highly pejorative".

A new chair of the panel for the appeal will have to be appointed, with the FA footing the legal bill.

The governing body will have to pay the cost of the tribunal, which was £105,750 plus VAT, and both its own and Forest's legal costs.

A new episode of Shut Up And Show More Football is now available to listen to or download on BBC Sounds.

On this week's episode, host David Jackson was joined by Colin Fray to discuss Forest's Europa league squad and Nuno Espirito Santo's future.

David described no "noises" from the Forest camp in terms of Nuno's future.

"There will be an obvious scrutiny on every decision Nuno makes," Colin added.

"There was a huge amount of positivity going into the West Ham game with the new signings and the squad being put together for the Europa League. The draw itself was made on the Friday before the game.

"Everyone turned up to the City Ground on Sunday with this buoyant feeling. And then the game started.

"You can't have this uncertainty and doubt going on. It has to be sorted. It feels like it's harming the club at the moment.

"Marinakis was talking in glowing terms about Nuno at the Europa League draw. I don't think he'll have that knee-jerk reaction of one bad game and you're out.

"Even if it resolved and Nuno stays in his post, I still think it's going to take him a few weeks and performances to completely regain the support from the Forest fans."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

The dust has just about settled on a busy transfer window for Nottingham Forest.

In total, Forest have made 13 signings for about £196m based on reported initial fees.

Those incomings were:

• Omari Hutchinson - Ipswich

• Dilane Bakwa - Strasbourg

• Dan Ndoye - Bologna

• Arnaud Kalimuendo - Rennes

• James McAtee - Manchester City

• Nicolo Savona - Juventus

• Jair Cunha - Botafogo

• Igor Jesus - Botafogo

• John Victor - Botafogo

• Cuiabano - Botafago

• Angus Gunn - Norwich City

• Douglas Luiz - Juventus (loan)

• Oleksandr Zinchenko - Arsenal (loan)

*All permanent unless otherwise stated

As for the outgoings, Anthony Elanga, Danilo and Wayne Hennessey were all among the players whose Forest careers ended this window.

Of all the summer incomings at the City Ground, who do you think will have the biggest impact?

Rank them here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest have left record signing Omari Hutchinson out of their squad for the Europa League.

The winger, signed from Ipswich Town for £37.5m, is not included in the 22-man squad for Forest's first European campaign in 30 years.

Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, a deadline day loan signing from Arsenal, is also left out.

Teams can name up to 25 players in their List A squads but Forest only have one club-trained player - Ryan Yates - who was at the club for three or more years between the age of 15 and 21.

Uefa want four club-trained players in squads, otherwise clubs are limited by the numbers they do not have, so Forest can only name a 22-man squad.

Forwards Jota Silva and Taiwo Awoniyi, who are able to leave the City Ground with the Saudi, Greek and Turkish transfer windows still open, are also not included.

Angus Gunn, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano - who has returned to Botafogo on loan - are omitted too.

Forest open their Europa League campaign with a trip to Real Betis on Wednesday, 24 September.

Arsenal and Barcelona are both showing strong interest in Nottingham Forest's 23-year-old Brazilian defender Murillo. (Caughtoffside), external

Forest forward Jota Silva, 26, could still leave for Saudi Arabia or Turkey after seeing a deadline-day move to Sporting collapse. Saudi Pro League side Neom SC are keen on the Portugal international. (Talksport), external

Forest are keen to raise funds following a busy summer transfer window which brought 13 arrivals to the first-team squad. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Ellie Molloson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

This summer's transfer window was the most important for Nottingham Forest since promotion in 2022. After a surprising season, there were concerns that the club might suffer from their success, with key players being scouted for potentially lucrative moves.

However, Forest's strategy was a masterclass in retention and strategic reinforcement, with the only significant departure being that of Anthony Elanga for a club-record £55 million.

The most impressive feat was fending off the so-called 'big six' clubs and extending the contracts of stars such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Morgan Gibbs-White (sorry Tottenham).

With European football on the horizon for the first time in 29 years, squad depth is essential and in total, Evangelos Marinakis brought in 13 new players.

For me, the star of this window is the unbelievable season-long loan of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal, who brings the type of European experience that will be crucial for our young team.

Bringing in him and midfielder Douglas Luiz are a clear statement of intent from Forest to remain in European contention and challenge towards the top of the Premier League.

Overall, it was a very successful transfer window. The clever business and player retention, paired with attractive big-name additions, illustrate we are a club that intends to compete and one that players should dream of playing for.

Rating: 9/10.

Find more from Ellie Molloson at Garibaldi Girls, external

Nottingham Forest are set to sign England Under-17s midfielder Chinaza Nwosu from West Ham, after seeing off competition from other top clubs. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

After Nuno Espirito Santo's fears and complaints, he should have the tools needed to succeed at Nottingham Forest.

There is no doubt the head coach has been backed by owner Evangelos Marinakis after a near £180m spend this summer.

The pair are meeting during the international break to iron out any differences following Nuno's revelation their relationship had changed this summer, but the evidence in Marinakis' investment is there.

Nuno would have preferred signings in earlier, allowing them time to integrate into the squad and adapt to his methods.

That was the root cause of his outburst and he may require time, but he has been given a squad which is strong enough to compete in four competitions, he must now get the best out of them.

Omari Hutchinson joined for a club record fee of £37.5m. Elsewhere, £30m was spent on James McAtee, a long-term target, along with £26m on striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and over £30m on winger Dilane Bakwa on deadline day.

Four signings from Brazilian side Botafogo - including £10m striker Igor Jesus - added to the depth.

It will be needed as Forest start their Europa League campaign at Real Betis on 25 September, while they will also go to Swansea in the Carabao Cup and have Premier League games against Arsenal, Burnley and Sunderland before the end of the month.

There may still be a departure or two to streamline the squad. The Saudi Pro League, Greece and Turkey windows remain open, leaving those who did not move - Jota Silva and Taiwo Awoniyi - possible routes away.

Ultimately, the last few week of the window brought drama around transfers but Nuno must now ensure his love story with Forest continues.

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Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Forest's business this transfer window.

Here are some of your comments:

Sean: It looks like a window of good business in getting in some good players and providing the team with some much needed depth and quality. Whilst I'm not exactly excited by the Zinchenko signing, it makes sense as he has both experience at the top end of the league and in European competition. They'll all need some game time to learn and gel together which, fortunately, we have plenty coming up. Looking forward to it.

Nathan: I love the ambition and spending over £200m would be unthinkable four years ago. That said some of the recruitment feels a little haphazard and reminiscent of when we first got promoted when it was about numbers rather than quality. I hope these signings all work out but it feels inevitable some won't.

Chris: They are capable of competing in all competitions providing Nuno rotates the players at his disposal. There should be no favourites.

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of 23-year-old Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa for more than £30m and also announced a season-long loan move for Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Former France Under-21 international Bakwa played 71 times for the Ligue 1 club, scoring 12 goals and providing 21 assists and said he was delighted to join the Reds.

"I am so happy to have signed for this legendary club," Bakwa said. "I am grateful the club and the owner have given me this opportunity. The ambitions of everyone here motivates me and I didn't hesitate once I heard there was interest.

"I will give my all for this club every time I am on the pitch. I can't wait to get started."

Meanwhile, Ukraine international Zinchenko won four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups and the FA Cup during his time with Manchester City before moving to north London in the summer of 2022.

Zinchenko has been out of favour at Arsenal since the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and the signing of Riccardo Calafiori who can both play in his favoured left-back role.

What do you make of the late business?

Are Forest equipped to fight on four fronts this season?

Tell us here

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of defender Cuiabano from Botafogo.

The 22-year-old left-back has signed on a four-year deal and becomes the club's fourth summer signing from the Brazilian side, following the arrivals of John Victor, Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha.

Cuiabano featured in all four of Botafogo's Club World Cup matches in the summer and has played 60 times in all competitions since his move from Gremio in 2024.

Forest's chief football officer Ross Wilson said: "This summer has been about ensuring we have quality and depth in every position, while also identifying talented young players from across the world who can play a crucial role in our long-term development as a club.

"Tracked by a lot of clubs, Cuiabano is an exciting player with a lot of potential. At just 22 years old, he has already gained significant experience for a player of his age and we are excited for what his future holds."

Wycombe Wanderers have signed striker Donnell McNeilly on loan following his move from Chelsea to Nottingham Forest.

The 19-year-old has joined Forest's academy on a three-year deal but they opted to send him out on loan for the rest of the season as part of his development.

McNeilly has been a prolific scorer at youth levels for Chelsea with 42 goals in the past two seasons.

Image source, Inpho

Defender Matthew Orr has joined Nottingham Forest from Linfield for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

The 18-year-old centre-back made 37 appearances for the Blues after breaking through last season.

He scored twice, including a goal on his senior debut against Stjarnan in the Uefa Conference League in July 2024.

Orr's impressive performances in helping Linfield to the Irish Premiership title saw him named Young Player of the Year alongside gaining a place in the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Team of the Year.

The Northern Ireland under-21 international will initially link up with Forest's youth team which plays in the Premier League 2.

Winger Eric da Silva Moreira has completed a season-long loan move to Portuguese side Rio Ave.

The 19-year-old joined Forest last summer from German club St. Pauli and made five first team appearances during his first campaign in England.

In a statement, the club said that Moreira would be making the move to "gain valuable first team experience" with the team who play in Portugal's Primeira Liga.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

After Nuno Espirito Santo's complaints and concerns, Nottingham Forest's transfer window may now end without too much drama.

Sunday's signing of goalkeeper John Victor from Botafogo inched Forest closer to what Nuno wanted.

He also wanted another left back and Forest are expected to complete the signing of left-back Cuiabano from Botafogo before the 19:00 BST deadline.

It means they will have signed four from the Brazilian side this summer, with striker Igor Jesus and defender Jair Cunha arriving in July for a combined total of about £20m.

Forest's spend will be a little over £150m having brought in Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dan Ndoye and Nicolo Savona.

It means the focus on deadline day is likely to be on moving some fringe players out, with forgotten man Omar Richards one of those able to leave, along with young striker Eric Moreira.

Nuno prefers to work with a small squad but, with a Europa League campaign to navigate, the head coach needed more depth, so there will not be a raft of senior exits.

Forward Jota Silva could leave. Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi had not been angling for a move earlier in the window but he could find his minutes limited.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what is still needed by Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day.

Here are some of your comments:

Kevin: Pretty decent summer so far. Keeping the core group and improving was key. Only remaining tasks is to ideally get a couple of back-up full-backs and resolving the future of Nuno. That is imperative!

James: New left-back. Having two strong starting XIs is essential when playing European football.

Andy: Sign a top winger to plant the ball on to Chris Wood's head.

Kevin: We need a another full-back, maybe bring Matty Cash back home!

Andrew: The window has been brilliant so far - we really don't need much more. Another full-back or two and it would be an outstanding window.

Today is the second transfer deadline day of the summer following a brief closure in June because of the Club World Cup.

In a change to previous windows, clubs only have until 19:00 BST to complete deals, bringing the Premier League in line with the EFL, Italy's Serie A, France's Ligue 1 and Germany's Bundesliga. The window in Scotland and Spain remains open until 23:00 BST.

It has already been a hectic window - with a number of storylines still to be resolved - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Tom: It's a thread which has continued since Forest returned to the Premier League - the inability to bounce back after going a goal down. We did it against Crystal Palace, but letting in three in seven minutes has happened in previous games too many times. A habit we can't shake.

Rev: Really disappointing to see our collapse in a game we expected to win. We were toothless. Possession doesn't win games, goals do. The result hasn't done the manager any favours and changes were way too slow to happen.

John: This has come at a bad time. The effort was there but passes went astray and nothing worked. If not for Matz Sels, it could have been six. Last year, substitutions would have weakened us. On Sunday, the quality we now have could have saved us - but they were left too late. I hope Nuno hasn't saved Mr Potter's job at the cost of his own.

Neil: As the home team we were shocking. I think they thought this was a walk in the park and they went on a walk around Sherwood Forest...

West Ham fans

Moley: It's what we all needed before the international break and, towards the end, the talent showed through. A great away win and confidence restored... for now.

Martin: What a relief. At last a proper performance - solid in defence (although I do think Forest were lacklustre). Nice to see we were dangerous going forward. I still reserve judgement on Graham Potte, but at least we have something to build on. I will just be happy with Premier League survival. COYI.

Manni: Looked together in this game, worked hard off the ball and finished chances! Fernandes looked composed and Summerville was direct! Keep it going - we have a chance of avoiding the scrap.

Nick: I cannot believe how much West Ham improved from last week. So many good points. Now, stick with a back four - and Soungoutou Magassa to replace James Ward-Prowse.

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 2-1 Manchester City

• Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

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• Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Nottingham Forest FC

Nottingham Forest have signed goalkeeper John Victor from Brazilian side Botafogo.

The 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract at the City Ground.

Forest have already signed Scotland international Angus Gunn on a free transfer, but boss Nuno Espirito Santo had always wanted to sign another keeper.

Victor has previously played for Santos in Brazil and also had a loan spell at Real Valladolid in Spain.

Chief football officer Ross Wilson said: "John has caught the attention of many clubs after some impressive seasons in Brazil, so we're pleased he has chosen Forest as his next step.

"Matz [Sels] had a standout season last year, and we also have Angus and young Aaron [Bott] in the group, meaning John joins a strong cohort of keepers that will push each other and will help each other improve.

"He arrives here hungry to make an impact and we're excited to welcome him."

Forest are also expected to complete the signing of left-back Cuiabano from Botafogo, meaning they have signed four from the Brazilian side this summer.

Striker Igor Jesus and defender Jair Cunha arrived in July for a combined total of about £20m.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The optics of a defeat by a side who had lost their opening two Premier League games before being knocked out of the Carabao Cup in midweek are not good.

Nottingham Forest were second best in every department and Nuno Espirito Santo would have undoubtedly preferred to go into talks with Evangelos Marinakis on the back of a win.

One game will not change the dynamic of the conversation with both characters willing to be honest with each other.

Nuno and Marinakis have said they do not expect a problem in their discussions - which will happen during the international break rather than immediately after the game.

Nuno himself also stressed the defeat will not have a bearing on the talk, insisting it was important to separate the two issues in an attempt to move forward.

The Portuguese said on Friday he expects to still be in charge after the international break and his stock with the fans remains high, even if there were a smattering of boos at the final whistle.

Supporters respect and admire both men, with the fanbase hoping they can both come to a successful outcome.

Nuno Espirito Santo spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Nottingham Forest's defeat against West Ham: "We were in control and dominant and should have done some things better. The second half was bad.

"We got unbalanced and the urgency to chase the result and not be careful. Summerville created some problems. Since the beginning of the game, we didn't show the urgency this game required. We should have done much more.

"There are a couple of moments where we had good situations in the box but not as much as required in a home game.

"We go home, we watch the game and try to make sure we don't perform this way again."

On talks with Evangelos Marinakis: "We have to talk and address things. This result doesn't help things but we have to address what the club needs. My job now is to help the team. We have a challenge and we must enjoy and play better football. It's my job. It's a sad day, we are upset but we have a second chance to make it right."

In the second half, when we asked for more, it turned out to be the other way around. We were not able to break West Ham due to lack of movement. A very bad day for us.

"We were complacent. We need to look at what happened to make sure it doesn't happen again. We allowed them to kill the game, but after the second goal they were organised."

On West Ham's penalty: "You cannot look only at that, you have to look at how we played today.

On the transfer deadline: "We have been talking about a goalkeeper. We know what is needed so hopefully we can work it out."

Did you know?

Nottingham Forest attempted just one shot in the first half; their fewest in a half of football at the City Ground since they returned to the Premier League in 2022. They managed more shots on target in the opening 61 seconds of the second half (1) than they did in the entire opening period (0).