Yahoo Sport 
Controversial Nottingham Forest appointment provokes 'antagonising' response ahead of key clash
Nuno Espirito Santo will return from his touchline ban to find a familiar face in charge of Nottingham Forest’s clash with Newcastle United this weekend.
The Reds head coach has just completed a three-match suspension for improper behaviour in September’s 2-2 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion. Anthony Taylor was the fourth official that day and told referee Rob Jones to send Nuno off.
Taylor has now been named as the referee for Sunday’s match at the City Ground (2pm kick-off). His assistants will be Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, with Michael Salisbury the fourth official and Tim Robinson on VAR duty.
Nuno was shown a red card against Brighton for his reaction to Morgan Gibbs-White’s dismissal. The attacker received a second booking for a challenge on Joao Pedro in the 83rd minute of the match, despite Jones initially indicating he had got the ball.
Both Nuno and Gibbs-White were subsequently charged with acting in “an improper manner” and/or using “abusive and/or insulting words” towards the officials by the Football Association. An Independent Regulatory Commission said the pair’s “genuine remorse” and admission of guilt counted as mitigating factors, but decided previous disciplinary charges counted against Nuno when the sanctions were determined.
Gibbs-White was hit with a one-match ban for his reaction to the red card and missed Forest’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Nuno watched from the stands on that occasion as he served his own suspension, and it was the same for the victories over Leicester City and Newcastle United.
The commission’s written reasons for the suspension decisions included reports from Jones and Taylor outlining what happened at the Amex Stadium. Describing Nuno’s response to Gibbs-White being handed his marching orders, Taylor stated: “In reaction to the behaviour of the Brighton technical area and the referee’s decision to dismiss Nottingham Forest player, Mr Gibbs-White for a second caution, Mr Espirito Santo, became very animated and aggressive. He left his technical area to show clear dissent in reaction to the decision and was heard saying to Mr Jones, “You’re ******* us again”. I then informed Mr Jones that Mr Espirito Santo should be dismissed.”
Nuno’s comment regarding Jones came on the back of the official having been in charge when Willy Boly was controversially sent off against Bournemouth last season. The commission accepted the Portuguese was not suggesting bias when he referenced Jones’ hurting Forest “again”.
The Reds will be aiming to maintain their fine start to the season when they face the Magpies on Sunday. Nuno’s men currently sit third in the Premier League table, below only Liverpool and Manchester City.
However, Forest fans have taken to social media to make their feelings clear about the appointment of Taylor as referee. One said: “This is our manager's first game back from a suspension involving him! This is simple antagonisation.”
Another quipped: “I'd like to congratulate #NUFC on their victory at the City Ground this weekend.” And one said with tongue in cheek: “I’m sure there will be 0 controversy with Anthony Taylor as our referee for Sunday, he’s such a brilliant referee and nothing bad ever happens when he refs #NFFC”
