Nottingham Forest should be able to argue they kept a “moral clean-sheet” after thumping Millwall 3-1 at the City Ground.
The Reds extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions, thanks to a Sammy Ameobi brace and a strike from Ryan Yates.
But they were denied a shut-out right at the death, in somewhat controversial fashion.
Ben Thompson’s late consolation for the visitors came when he forced home a shot, as he connected with goalkeeper Brice Samba’s punch.
The hosts argued it should not have stood as Samba was fouled, but referee Keith Stroud was having none of it.
Had it not counted, it would have been the fourth time in five games Forest had kept out the opposition.
Reporters Sarah Clapson and Leigh Curtis discussed the decision in a live broadcast on our Reds Facebook page.
“I’ve never seen a decision like that! The goalkeeper was pole-axed! It should have been a clean-sheet,” said Curtis
“It was an absolutely dreadful decision. But it was Keith Stroud…
“At least that decision came when it didn’t matter and the game was already won.
“Someone said to Chris Hughton it was a moral clean-sheet, which he laughed at!
“I would agree with him on that, because it was a shambolic decision.
“Keith Stroud doesn’t have the best of reputations in these parts.”
Clapson said: “It was such a shame not to get the clean-sheet.
“It was probably a little bit of a surprise we didn’t have too many other controversial moments, because as soon as you saw the referee’s name, you thought, ‘oh gosh, here we go’.
“We’ve been there with Keith Stroud before! He managed to sneak a little controversial decision in there, right at the end.
“Forest should have had the clean-sheet.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the way forward now, with that back four of Worrall, McKenna, Christie and Ribeiro.
“I would imagine Chris Hughton will stick with them.”
