Premier League release eye-opening VAR audio of Gibbs-White push at the 83rd minute following Dyche’s claim

Premier League Releases VAR Audio Following Dyche’s Fury Over Gibbs-White Incident in Forest Defeat

In a rare step toward greater transparency, the Premier League and PGMOL have made public the VAR audio from the controversial 83rd-minute winner that secured Manchester City a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on December 27, 2025.

The decisive goal, scored by Rayan Cherki with a powerful half-volley from the edge of the box, came after Forest had fought back to equalise through Chris Wood. However, Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche was furious post-match, insisting that Morgan Gibbs-White had been “clearly pushed” by City’s Nico O’Reilly in the build-up, which prevented him from closing down the shot.

“It’s a foul, plain and simple,” Dyche said. “A double whammy that cost us the game. VAR is supposed to correct obvious errors, but once again it failed us.”

The released audio captures the exchange between on-field referee Rob Jones and VAR official Michael Salisbury. Salisbury initiates the check: “Possible foul on Gibbs-White by O’Reilly – checking for impeding the defender.” Jones replies: “I saw contact, but it looked minimal, no real intent.” After reviewing multiple angles, Salisbury concludes: “Contact is present, but it’s not sustained or forceful enough to be considered a clear and obvious error. Recommend goal stands.” Jones confirms: “Agreed, play on.”

The decision has divided opinion. Dyche branded the explanation “justifying the unjustifiable” and renewed calls for significant reform of the VAR process. Meanwhile, former top referee Mark Clattenburg, speaking on Sky Sports, defended the call, stating: “The contact was soft. Overturning goals for minor pushes like that would open the floodgates.”

Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, chose to focus on his team’s character rather than engage with the controversy.

This is the latest instance of audio being released following growing pressure on officials to explain contentious decisions. For Nottingham Forest, the narrow defeat continues a frustrating winless run and keeps the pressure mounting on Dyche to deliver results.