Nottingham Forest boss Nuno insists James Maddison deserved a red card in defeat at Tottenham.

Maddison clashed with Forest captain Ryan Yates during the 3-1 loss, but avoided dismissal.

Nuno said: "I think first half we played the game we imagined and wanted to play. We performed well. The movement is difficult to stop but we managed to control them. We had chances. The second half was not good.

"In the beginning we were too passive to allow the shot. It became very hard. That's disappointed. We felt we could do much better.

"The first goal we were too passive, we allowed too much time for the player to take a shot. Tottenham is a good team and always has the threat of the counter attack.

"It was about trying to manage the situation of the players and introduce energy. We worked hard, pressed higher and had a good moment to take a chance. That was the idea of the subs.

"It's clear from me. I think there's two moments in the first half that we can talk about. It is a red card. I think James Maddison loses his composure. I'm surprised VAR didn't see it. A clear chance with Chris Wood in the first half against the post, that could change the game.

"We will keep on fighting. We need to fight until the end. We have to prepare the next one at home at the City Ground."