Ex-Premier League referee addresses Ola Aina’s controversial red card decision

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina was involved in a major controversial decision as Nottingham Forest began their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Leeds United on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old, who is now into his fourth season with the Tricky Trees, was handed a starting berth in Oliver Glasner’s first official game in charge of the club since taking over from Vitor Pereira earlier in the summer after leaving Crystal Palace.

Aina enjoyed an impressive display in the encounter, creating the joint-most chances in the game with three and finishing with a game-high three successful dribbles during his 74 minutes on the pitch.

Ola Aina holds up Francisco Moura during Nottingham Forest vs FC Porto clash. Picture credit: Harriet Massey/IMAGO

However, Nottingham Forest suffered a 1-0 defeat, with a stunning late free-kick from Anton Stach sealing victory for the visitors at the City Ground in the opening Premier League matchday.

Aina, despite his brilliant showing in the clash, was involved in one of the major talking points of the encounter in the first half.

Mike Dean reacts to Ola Aina’s red card controversy

The major talking point came in the 18th minute when Ola Aina lunged into a challenge on James Justin. The Nottingham Forest defender initially appeared to be in danger of being sent off, but following a VAR review, he was shown only a yellow card.

Mike Dean. [Phot Credit: Squawka/ X]

The referee judged the challenge to be reckless rather than worthy of a red card, and former Premier League referee Mike Dean agreed with the decision not to send off the Super Eagles defender.

Speaking about the incident, Dean explained why he believed a yellow card was the correct decision.

“I think because he is low, he has missed the ball completely and his back leg has just caught the other guy. I don’t think it is a sending off”, he said post-match.

Ola Aina in action for Nottingham Forest. Copyright: xManjitxNarotraxImago

Aina will now be hoping to produce another influential performance in his new right wing-back role as Nottingham Forest look to return to winning ways in their next outing.

The Tricky Trees will face Leeds United again in the second game of their double-header clash in the EFL Cup second round in midweek, before taking on Liverpool in their second Premier League game of the season next weekend.