Nottingham Forest: Nuno Espirito Santo says Premier League club will back referees and PGMOL

Nuno Espirito Santo said Nottingham Forest “have to trust” referees to get big decisions right in the new season as he makes efforts to rein in his criticism.

Forest manager Nuno expects Howard Webb, the former World Cup final referee who oversees officiating at the top level in England, to drive up standards.

Nuno and Forest defender Neco Williams have been fined for misconduct and warned about their future conduct by the Football Association after being critical of referees after last season’s defeat by Everton.

Nuno has been fined £40,000 and handed a one-game touchline ban, suspended until 31 May 2026, while Williams has been fined £24,000.

Forest had three penalty decisions go against them in their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Goodison Park in April, after which Nuno said they had been “not happy with the work of the referees” for a period of time, and Williams gave a similar view.

Nuno has spoken to Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) boss Webb this summer, and the former Wolves and Tottenham manager addressed his previous condemnation of officials just hours before his punishment was announced on Thursday.

When asked if he will moan about decisions in the new campaign, Nuno said: “I hope not, honestly.

“We had a nice meeting, the managers, and he [Webb] explained in detail the changes that they want to implement. Decisions to take less time, better decisions, I’m confident.

“I’m really confident after the meetings we’ve had things will improve, not only for Forest but for all the Premier League. They are trying very hard to improve. We have to trust the referees.”