Fulham manager Marco Silva has criticised the VAR decisions made against his side during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. In a contentious contest, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez scored to give the hosts three points.
The Cottagers seized the lead through 18-year-old Josh King, but his first senior goal was controversially ruled out as VAR determined there was a foul in the build-up on Trevor Chalobah. There were also questions about Pedro’s goal, which came in the ninth minute of first-half extra time. Silva has now expressed his frustration openly.
Silva lays into VAR.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Silva had to restrain himself from being too harsh in his criticism of the judgments.
“As someone who enjoys football, I am sad. It’s clear. With millions of people watching on television, I witnessed my team play fantastic football. Following what transpired last week in our game against Manchester United. The entire debate surrounding the game. It’s almost impossible for me to believe it will be balanced. The decisions of the referee and the VAR had a significant impact on the game.
“VAR is not here to referee the match. It was not surprising to rule out that ambition. It has to be unbelievable. I don’t want to say anything else since I will be punished.
Several fans turned to social media after the match to praise Silva’s comments, with one saying: “Marco Silva carried himself very well in that interview,” and another adding: “Marco Silva, hats off, superb post-match interview!”
A third commented, “Very fantastic interview by Marco Silva. I completely agree with what he stated,” while a fourth said, “Marco Silva is considerably more composed than I (or many others) would be.” A fifth person concurred, saying, “Marco Silva is making a lot of sense here.”
A more thorough remark from a sixth reader: “Marco Silva is spot on. Also, if you place a microphone in front of them after a game, expect them to be annoyed. So stop penalizing managers for telling the truth and banning them, and instead listen to their concerns and put pressure on officials.”
A seventh summarised: “Marco Silva is spot on. Also, if you place a microphone in front of them after a game, expect them to be annoyed. So stop penalizing managers for telling the truth and banning them, and instead listen to their concerns and put pressure on officials.”
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