Premier League back under-fire refs after Nottingham Forest complaints about officials in Man United defeat as Stuart Attwell and Robert Jones are BOTH given matches this weekend

Stuart Attwell and Robert Jones will be in charge of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, despite criticism for their performance at Old Trafford last weekend.

The Premier League has announced that Attwell will captain Brighton’s home game against Newcastle on Saturday night, while Jones will captain Wolves’ visit to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Jones will also be on VAR duty as Brentford hosts Bournemouth a day early.

The pair were in the spotlight for a series of controversial decisions on Saturday, as Manchester United came two goals down to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2.

On Tuesday, Forest lodged a formal complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after Attwell sent off captain Joe Worrall and United awarded a penalty.

Robert Jones will supervise Wolves’ visit to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon

Worrall was considered last man when he fouled Bruno Fernandes, despite Forest centre-back Willy Boly being close by.

Attwell awarded United a penalty minutes later after Danilo fouled Marcus Rashford in the box, with Fernandes converting what turned out to be the winning goal.

Speak with Mailsport football editor Ian Ladyman on the brand new ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ podcast, co-presenter and Premier League winner Chris Sutton said Rashford dived to win a penalty.

Jones was the VAR official at Old Trafford and confirmed both calls after reviewing the incidents.

“Stuart Attwell awarded the penalty and it was Rob Jones in VAR,” said Sutton.

So I understand why Stuart Attwell awarded it in real time but then Rob Jones should be strong enough to look at it and he had all angles to see Marcus Rashford dove clearly and this is not a clear and obvious mistake I think I’m worried, that’s total bullshit.

It’s a penalty or it’s not a penalty. It was a dive, I think you’ll agree. That’s why it shouldn’t have been awarded.’

Forest manager Steve Cooper was left seething with the service on duty, but refused to openly criticize Attwell.

Attwell came under scrutiny on Saturday for sending off Joe Worrall and giving Manchester United a penalty as Erik ten Hag’s men came back from behind to beat Forest 3-2.

Many felt Attwell’s decision to award United a penalty for a foul on Marcus Rashford was soft

“In games like this, everything has to be as it should be,” he said after the game.

“I’m not going to talk too much because I don’t want to get in trouble, but I was surprised how quickly the decisions were made.

“You just bite your tongue when it comes to what (you) really feel, but of course they were defining moments.”

Meanwhile, Michel Oliver will headline Manchester City’s home game against Fulham on Saturday and Anthony Taylor will headline United’s visit to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.