Nottingham Forest might be furious about the Premier League’s announcement regarding their upcoming clash with Crystal Palace, particularly concerning the refereeing assignment. The Premier League has selected Anthony Taylor to officiate the match, which could irk Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

Reason for Nottingham Forest’s Fury

– Past Controversies: Taylor’s previous encounters with Nottingham Forest have been marred by controversy. In April 2024, Forest were outraged when Taylor failed to award them at least one penalty during a Premier League defeat against Everton at Goodison Park. The Reds took to social media to express their frustration, which later landed them a £750,000 fine.

– History with Taylor: Forest fans were also unhappy with Taylor’s officiating during a 3-2 win over Southampton, with one supporter calling him “one of the worst officials in world sport” after the game amid a string of errors.

Potential Impact on the Match

– Tension and Intensity: With Taylor at the helm, the match between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest could be even more intense and feisty than usual. Forest might feel motivated to prove themselves against Palace, especially given their recent form.

– Crystal Palace’s Preparation: Meanwhile, Palace are coming off a big win in the FA Cup semi-finals and might be looking to fine-tune their team for the upcoming final. They could potentially rest some key players or make tactical decisions to ensure they’re ready for the big game.

Match Details

– Date and Time: The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 14:00 WAT at Selhurst Park.

– Current Form: Both teams have had mixed results recently, with Forest struggling to find consistency and Palace showing promising form in the FA Cup.

– Head-to-Head Record: Nottingham Forest have a strong record against Crystal Palace, remaining unbeaten in their last eight encounters ¹ ² ³.