Mark Halsey delivers verdict on controversial goal conceded by Nottingham Forest

Mark Halsey has delivered his verdict on one of the goals conceded by Nottingham Forest in the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The Reds crumbled after going ahead at Selhurst Park. Dan Ndoye scored after just three minutes for Forest, but after wasting a host of chances, Oliver Glasner’s side were put to the sword.

Forest have now suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season. Next up is Arsenal at home, and it seems as though things might get worse before they get better for the Reds.

One of the goals scored by Palace – the one that saw them go 2-1 up – was somewhat controversial and now a former Premier League referee has delivered his verdict.

Halsey believes the goal that has been given to Jefferson Lerma should have been disallowed as it struck the arm of Anan Khalali

He told The Sun: “The corner has come over, Lerma has headed the ball down, and it comes off of Khalaili’s elbow, which he then directs into the back of the net.

“Law-12 handling the ball says that if a goal is scored with an accidental handball, then it has to be disallowed, and you can clearly see it comes off his elbow and changes direction.

“It’s controversial and in law that goal should have been disallowed.”

From the source EXCLUSIVE: Why 'controversial' Crystal Palace goal vs Nottingham Forest 'should have been disallowed' ❌ | @RefereeHalsey

Darren Cann felt the goal should have stood. He claimed that because it took so long, it wasn’t clear and obvious and the time taken would have been detrimental to the game, even though Forest had a goal chalked off after a six minute check in August against Tottenham.

Forest have once again been on the wrong end of a shocking decision. It’s not even close to being a goal, and given the law how it’s written, it should have been disallowed after one look at the incident.

Still, Forest have to get their own house in order. Scoring first and then missing loads of chances is far from ideal and although Glasner didn’t blame Liam Delap, the striker has to do better in that situation going forward.

Forest will feel they are owed a few decisions from match officials and VAR. Hopefully, the football can do the talking against Arsenal at the weekend and the Reds can get a positive result to stop the rot.