During a football match, controversy arose when James Maddison was not sent off after an incident with Nottingham Forest star Ryan Yates. Maddison appeared to punch Yates in the stomach, described by one observer as 'soft as owt', yet significant enough for referee Hooper to discuss the matter with both players instead of issuing a red card. Fans were furious, especially as VAR cleared Maddison of wrongdoing despite the apparent punch. Nottingham Forest's manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, expressed his surprise at the decision, stating, ‘It didn’t ‘look like he punched him’; he punched him,' and expected VAR to prompt a more thorough review. The incident has sparked widespread discussion, including comments from figures such as Roy Keane.
#NFFC manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes James Maddison should have been sent off after a 'punch in the stomach'. How did you see it? 🤔 #BBCFootball #TOTNFO https://t.co/2NsUVx6gVX
Roy Keane has his say on James Maddison not being sent off despite throwing punch https://t.co/55Ce5MpvA6
Nuno on James Maddison evading a first-half red card: ‘It didn’t ‘look like he punched him’; he punched him. I was surprised VAR didn’t tell to Simon to review it better because…Maddison loses his composure and it’s a punch to the stomach of Yates. It should have been reviewed.’…
Fans furious as James Maddison escapes red despite appearing to punch Nottingham Forest star Ryan Yates #TOTNFO https://t.co/ooqdsV5JZv https://t.co/BQ1c6MQY6d
James Maddison punching Ryan Yates in the stomach. VAR cleared it. Unbelievable https://t.co/wVzLo109YH
Maddison jabbed Yates in the belly there, as he tried to mark him. It was soft as owt... but you could just about describe it as a punch. Referee Hooper decides that the answer is to talk to both players. #NFFC