NOTTINGHAM FOREST FANS IN AGREEMENT THAT ONE PLAYER ‘SHOULDN’T BE ON THE PITCH’ AFTER DISASTERCLASS PERFORMANCE VS MIDTJYLLAND
NOTTINGHAM FOREST FANS IN AGREEMENT THAT ONE PLAYER ‘SHOULDN’T BE ON THE PITCH’ AFTER DISASTERCLASS PERFORMANCE VS MIDTJYLLAND
Nottingham Forest’s much-anticipated European night at the City Ground turned sour as FC Midtjylland ran out 3-2 winners in a game that swung from end to end but left the home crowd frustrated and deflated.
The Danish side stunned Forest with two goals inside the opening half-hour, capitalising on defensive lapses. Although Dan Ndoye briefly lifted spirits with a neat finish, Midtjylland’s dominance at set pieces and sharp counterattacks left the Reds chasing the game. Chris Wood’s late penalty brought the scoreline to 3-2, but by then, the damage was already done.
The fan reaction
For many Forest supporters, the scoreline only told half the story. Social media and fan forums lit up immediately after the final whistle, with an overwhelming number of posts targeting one specific player for what was widely described as a “disasterclass” performance. Comments ranged from anger to disbelief, with some fans calling for the player to be dropped, while others insisted that his inclusion in the starting XI was a mistake in the first place.
One frustrated supporter wrote:
“We’re fighting to stay alive in Europe and he’s costing us every time. Honestly, he shouldn’t be on the pitch.”
Another added:
“Every attack from their right side caused chaos. It was painful to watch.”
And at the centre of the storm? Neco Williams, playing at left-back.
Why Williams was singled out
Fans accused Williams of being caught out of position, losing his man on crucial plays, and failing to track back effectively. The decisive Midtjylland moments all seemed to come from areas he was supposed to cover, fuelling the belief among supporters that Forest’s collapse could be traced back to his flank.
While some fans acknowledged that defensive struggles are rarely the fault of one man, the majority of online discussion placed Williams under the harshest spotlight. For them, his showing epitomised Forest’s recurring issues: vulnerability out wide and a lack of composure under pressure.
Ange Postecoglou’s response
Manager Ange Postecoglou, however, refused to single out individuals in his post-match comments. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility and reminded reporters that Forest are still adapting to new tactical demands. “It’s a team game. We didn’t defend our box well enough as a group,” he insisted.
But the chorus from the stands and online was much louder: patience is wearing thin, and supporters are demanding changes, particularly in the left-back position.
What comes next
Forest now face the difficult task of regrouping after another setback under their new manager. For Williams, the coming weeks could be crucial. A strong response on the pitch could silence his critics, but if the errors continue, pressure will mount on Postecoglou to make a change.
For the Forest faithful, the 3-2 defeat was more than just a loss — it felt like another missed opportunity. And until results improve, players like Williams will continue to find themselves under an unforgiving spotlight.