Huddersfield Town star Duane Holmes lets rip at officials after VAR play-off final controversy

Midfielder Duane Holmes felt two key decisions went against Huddersfield Town in their Championship play-off final defeat to Nottingham Forest. Holmes, a second half substitute in the Wembley showpiece, believes Town were denied two penalties.

Harry Toffolo was booked for simulation by referee Jon Moss, officiating for the final time before retiring, after going down under a challenge from Jack Colback in the penalty area. Replays suggest Colback had made some contact with Toffolo but it was not overturned by VAR.

And Lewis O'Brien also had a strong penalty appeal turned away when Max Lowe appeared to trip him in the box. VAR did not check the incident.

Carlos Corberan's tactical tweaks fail to pay off as Huddersfield Town fall short at Wembley

Ultimately, Town came up short as Forest ended their 23-year Premier League exile thanks to a 43rd minute own goal from Levi Colwill.

"We had a meeting with the referee's about VAR," said Holmes. "We got told not to surround the ref etc when everything is getting checked.

"Maybe I am biased but I believe they were both penalties. It is one of them.

"We have had a great season but we came here to win. I think there were two decisions that didn't go our way."

When asked if Town got an explanation from the officials on their decision-making, Holmes said: "No, nothing. We had a meeting with the referee's and we got told not to crowd the ref because everything is checked. I don't know how you can check it and get it wrong."

Town were the better side after the break but failed to register a single shot on target. Holmes said: "We defended really well. They normally create a lot of chances.

"We nullified them. We defended really well and I thought we attacked really well in the second