Nuno banned but Forest must win if they want to progress

There will be a sense of injustice emanating from Nuno Espirito Santo’s seat in the stands.

The boss will watch Nottingham Forest face Crystal Palace this evening from the Peter Taylor Stand as he starts his three-match ban.

Nuno was hopeful he would avoid serious punishment for his outburst following Morgan Gibbs-White’s red card in the 2-2 draw at Brighton.

That the Key Match Incidents Panel – which reviews the big refereeing decisions each week – was split on whether it was correct to issue a second yellow card to Gibbs-White only adds to the frustration.

Forest are still searching for their first home win and they will need to do it without the talismanic Gibbs-White – injured but banned anyway.

Victory would also end any lingering fears about the home form and Palace come to the City Ground still winless in the Premier League.

If Forest want to progress this season, it is a game they need to win.