Chris Wood’s most recent international appearance for New Zealand was marked by both triumph and an unusual booking.
After scoring a hat-trick of headers in a dominant victory, he received a yellow card for signing autographs for fans – a seemingly harmless act that the referee didn’t approve of.
The incident occurred following New Zealand’s emphatic win against Fiji in World Cup qualification.
After being substituted, Wood was seen hopping over the barrier and climbing into the stands to sign autographs for young supporters in their seats.
However, his classy gesture towards the excited fans resulted in a caution from referee Norbert Hauata.
Wood, expressing his surprise, stated, “I was just trying to do something nice and sign for the fans.”
Head coach Darren Bazeley also weighed in, telling New Zealand media outlet Stuff after the game: “I wasn’t sure what happened there.
“There’s no harm done. It’s a yellow card that doesn’t carry over, so he’ll be fine.”
This peculiar event came amidst Wood’s impressive form for Nottingham Forest.
Notably, he delivered a stunning hat-trick in Forest’s 7-0 demolition of Brighton.
This performance underscored his crucial role in the Forest squad, where he has continued to accumulate vital Premier League goals.
Even Jude Bellingham was impressed with Wood’s performance against Brighton; a Forest fan on X captured Real Madrid‘s star-studded squad walking through the team hotel, with Bellingham one of the last out alongside Thibaut Courtois.
Sensing the opportunity, the fan asked: “Jude, what about Chris Wood‘s hat-trick today? Talk to me.”
Bellingham flashed a smile before he turned back to the camera and replied: “Top.”
Wood’s contributions have been pivotal for Nottingham Forest who currently sit comfortably in third place as they look to seal a long-awaited return to Champions League football – a competition Forest won twice under legendary manager Brian Clough.
This strong form led to him signing a new contract with Nottingham Forest that extends his stay at the club until the summer of 2027.
His fine scoring rate also saw the striker crowned the Premier League Player of the Month for October – a first for a Nottingham Forest player.
Looking back at his career, Wood’s journey includes successful stints at Burnley, where he helped them reach the Europa League, and Newcastle before his move to Forest.
His performance has notably surged under head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, with a significant portion of his Forest goals achieved under his management.
Now, before returning to Nottingham Forest, Wood and the New Zealand team are preparing to face New Caledonia. A victory in this upcoming match would secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.
Forest’s next game is away to Brighton – a team that we know Wood loves playing against – in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 29.
