Joe Lolley is becoming known for his witty responses on social media, and his latest effort has received backing by Nottingham Forest supporters.
After scoring Forest’s opener against Blackburn on New Year’s Day, Lolley latched onto Chema Rodriguez’s superb pass into the opposition penalty box before being felled by Rovers goalkeeper Christian Walton.
A momentary pause followed before referee Darren Bond pointed to the spot, and Lewis Grabban powered in Forest’s second penalty in three games to double their lead three minutes after Lolley's 22nd minute opener. Forest eventually won the game 3-2.
However, former Norwich City and West Ham striker Dean Ashton claimed Lolley should have stayed on his feet instead of going down under Walton’s clumsy challenge.
“Honestly, this is one of these where you go through and, as a player, you take a touch from the goalkeeper and you go down,” Ashton told the EFL highlights show on Quest.
"He could take a step with his left foot, stay on his feet and put the ball in the back of the net.
"Once he takes a tiny touch he can take a step and score, but he chooses to go down and rather have a penalty than score the goal.
"He touches him by a fraction.
"Joe Lolley can stay on his feet there and score the goal, but he chooses to fall to the floor to win the penalty rather than score."
Lolley, having been tagged in Ashton’s comments by Forest supporters on social media, delivered a fine riposte, simply saying “Apologies for being fouled.”
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