Nottingham Forest’s UEFA Complaint Adds to Ange Postecoglou’s Crucial Moment After Europa League Defeat

Nottingham Forest lodge UEFA complaint after Europa League chaos

The pressure is mounting at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League has sparked more than just frustration on the terraces—it has led to an official complaint lodged with UEFA. The club believes questionable refereeing decisions directly impacted the outcome of Thursday night’s game, leaving players, coaches, and supporters seething.

The referee in question, French official Willy Delajod, has been placed firmly under the spotlight after a performance that Forest sources described as inconsistent and disruptive. Forest chiefs feel their players were unfairly punished while their Danish opponents escaped without proper sanction, a theme that ran throughout the evening in Nottingham.

What was supposed to be a night of European excitement instead turned into a spectacle marred by stoppages, bruising tackles, and growing anger both on the pitch and in the stands.

Referee under fire as Midtjylland escape

Nottingham Forest FC v FC Midtjylland – UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2

At the centre of Forest’s fury was Delajod’s handling of Midtjylland’s physical approach. Despite a string of crunching challenges from the visitors, the referee reached for his yellow card just once—showing it to wing-back Kevin Mbabu. In stark contrast, three Forest players—Morato, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White—found themselves booked.

The flashpoint came early when Denil Castillo lunged into Elliot Anderson with what looked like a reckless challenge. To the disbelief of Forest’s players and coaching staff, the Midtjylland midfielder escaped with only a stern talking-to. From there, the stop-start officiating seemed to drain Forest of any attacking momentum, cutting short counter-attacks and breaking the rhythm of their build-up play.

Supporters inside the City Ground didn’t hold back, venting their anger at every whistle. By the time Midtjylland scored their late winner, the frustration boiled over. Forest’s directors wasted no time in preparing a formal complaint to UEFA, citing “serious concerns” about the officiating.

Ange Postecoglou under pressure after worst start in 100 years

For Ange Postecoglou, the refereeing controversy was just one layer of an increasingly grim picture. The Australian manager, appointed only in the summer, now finds himself at the eye of the storm. Six games into his tenure, Forest remain without a win. The last time a Forest boss endured a start this bleak was back in 1925, when John Baynes went seven games without victory.

The statistics alone paint a worrying picture, but the atmosphere in the stands has made matters worse. As the final whistle blew on Thursday night, sections of the home crowd aimed chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning!” directly at the dugout. Some supporters even resurrected songs for former manager Nuno Espírito Santo—ironically now in charge of West Ham after his own sacking by Forest just last month.

For Postecoglou, a man who built his reputation on free-flowing, attacking football in Australia, Japan, and later with Celtic, the challenge is enormous. He has walked into a club expecting stability after years of turbulence, but the early signs suggest patience may already be running thin.

Forest at a crossroads before international break

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The next test comes quickly—and it might just decide Postecoglou’s future. Newcastle United arrive at the City Ground on Sunday, a fixture that insiders say could prove decisive. Club executives are understood to be “deeply concerned” by both results and performances, fearing that another defeat could push morale to an unsalvageable low.

With the international break looming, the timing is ominous. Breaks between fixtures often provide the perfect window for owners to act decisively, and Forest’s ownership has already shown a ruthless streak when it comes to managerial changes. If Postecoglou cannot deliver a win against Newcastle, the expectation is that a decision could be made swiftly.

Why the gamble on Postecoglou has yet to pay off

When Forest unveiled Ange Postecoglou in the summer, the appointment was framed as a bold new chapter. Here was a manager with global experience, a proven track record at Celtic, and a reputation for rebuilding squads with attacking flair. Forest hoped he could be the man to blend a squad packed with talent into a coherent, forward-thinking side.

Yet reality has been sobering. Forest’s attacking play has been toothless, their defensive structure fragile, and their spirit dented by repeated late collapses. Postecoglou’s attempts to impose his philosophy have so far failed to stick. While his 4-3-3 system worked wonders in Scotland, adapting it to the Premier League and European football has been far trickier.

Add to that the pressure cooker of expectations—Forest are desperate not just to survive but to thrive in Europe—and the picture grows darker.

Supporters restless, owners watchful

At a club like Forest, patience is often thin, and the fans have not been shy in showing their displeasure. The chorus of boos at full-time on Thursday was loud, the chants aimed at Postecoglou louder still. Many fans believe the Australian has not yet earned the right to ask for more time, particularly when performances have lacked both results and identity.

Behind the scenes, the club’s hierarchy is weighing up options. Sources close to the ownership suggest that while there is admiration for Postecoglou’s principles, there is also a pragmatic fear: that waiting too long could leave Forest adrift, both in the Premier League and in Europe.

Conclusion: Ange faces his defining week at Forest

Nottingham Forest’s complaint to UEFA over the Europa League defeat may grab headlines, but the bigger story is closer to home. Ange Postecoglou, a manager of international pedigree and proven ability, finds himself staring down the barrel after just six games.

The Newcastle fixture now looms like a judgment day. A victory could buy him time, silence the doubters, and restore belief in his project. Another defeat, though, may well see his reign cut short before it has even begun.

For now, Forest remain in limbo: furious with UEFA, frustrated with results, and fearful of what comes next. One thing is clear—Postecoglou is fast running out of second chances.