VIDEO: Tensions boil over as Nottingham Forest and Derby players clash numerous times

Tensions boil over as Nottingham Forest and Derby County players clash numerous times throughout the game and at full time.

Goals from Lewis Grabban and Brennan Johnson gave the hosts victory over their troubled rivals in a heated East Midlands derby.

After Scott McKenna headed James Garner’s free-kick towards the six-yard box, Steve Cook’s shot was blocked and the loose ball dropped to Grabban, who netted from close range.

Johnson started and finished the move for the Reds’ late second, finding Philip Zinckernagel on the left and then galloping into the box to fire home the Dane’s low cross.

Tom Lawrence pulled a goal back for Derby with a penalty after being fouled by Cook.

The visitors ended the match with 10 men after Ravel Morrison was sent off in the final moments for a reckless challenge on Zinckernagel.

🗣 “Derby County are still alive.”

Tom Lawrence finds the bottom corner for #DCFC 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ais3pmaxtq

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 22, 2022

As can be seen in the video above, Wales international and Derby captain Tom Lawrence stuck the penalty away, even though Forest keeper Brice Samba guessed the right way.

The pair then tangle in the goal as Lawrence tries to retrieve the ball quickly – a melee follows, with both players booked.

Derby set up a grandstand finish but couldn’t find that all important equaliser.

In the last seconds, Derby sub Ravel Morrison was shown a red card for a high, late challenge on Philip Zinckernagel.

The full-time whistle followed and Forest took the bragging rights at the City Ground.

A fracas followed between both sets of players and substitutes before things calmed down on the pitch after some heated exchanges.

The Football Association bound to look into those skirmishes late on.

Derby’s tumultuous week ended in defeat, with Forest up to eighth as is stands – two points from the playoffs.

FULL TIME ⏰

The East Midlands derby finishes with a bit of a scrap on the pitch 😬#NFFC 2-1 #DCFC pic.twitter.com/cNqwFOboyj

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 22, 2022

Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper told BBC Radio Nottingham:

“The only objective today was to win and that’s what we’ve done. That’s the most important thing.

“They had a decent chance with Tom Lawrence but apart from that didn’t really threaten.

“In the second half we were good and I felt we created the real opportunities. It was disappointing they got a goal back, because otherwise I thought we managed the game well.

“We were definitely good for the win. There was only one winner today, no doubt about that.”

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney:

“The next few days are crucial. I’ve had assurances that I don’t have to sell players.

“We need preferred bidders to help this club exist. If not we will have to see what we can do at the end of the window.

“The administrators have said they are confident someone will come in this week. It is a terrible position to be in and needs sorting. I take care of the football and they take care of the business.

“Hopefully there will be some good news. I don’t hold my breath, but I’m always pushing to see where we’re at. The players and fans deserve someone to come in.”

Rejuvenated Forest have now won 10 of their 19 Championship matches since Steve Cooper took over as manager at the City Ground.

This win boosts their playoff bid, while Grabban’s opener was the veteran striker’s third goal in as many matches and his 13th of the season.

Derby, who are in administration and needing a takeover to go through in order to secure the club’s future, had won four and drawn one of their previous five matches – raising hopes of avoiding relegation.

Twitter users reacted as tensions over boil with Nottingham Forest and Derby players deciding clash numerous times in the game…

@LifetimeBanned: Who’s the big man with training bib on thinking he’s Clubber Lang

@mattcullen1974: Just the best rivalry in football
Always goes off
We normally win
Love it

@Rich_T_Hall: That’s all she wrote 2-1 #nffc the Brian Clough Trophy it’s staying with us.

@Ste_F1: YOOOOOU REDS.

@Coadynffc19: Fully deserved. Horrible club Derby are.

@TheyCallHimR: Sore losers derby now.

@bgbddt: Derby get battered…..

@dj_zotov: Get in!!! The East Midlands remains red!

@ScatmanRon: The best feeling in the world.

@TomMeakin7: Jack Colback and Scott McKenna today were top draw.

@TheSpeccyLeccy: Like Derby can afford a fine for failing to control their players.

@Coach_LewisVJ: DERBY DAY WIN!!! WE LOVE IT!!!

@Jxrdannffc: What a performance! Absolutely dominated from 15th min onwards, well deserved win! Colback, Garner or McKenna all deserved MOTM for me could pick between them.. Samba needs a lifetime contract at Forest for pure comedic value (good job he’s a class GK too).

@ThornStinger: Loved that… tense, horrible at times, but what a relief!!! Glad we keep the BC trophy when they liquidate or relegate.

@Mark_Searby: A good fighting win.

This dude thought royal rumble kicked off lol pic.twitter.com/Ayq3Gw3Igm

— Seán McGrinder (@sean1to9) January 22, 2022