Fulham manager Marco Silva has unleashed a scathing attack on Video Assistant Referee officials, branding their performance a 'complete mess' after a controversial decision cost his side a crucial point against Chelsea.
The Portuguese boss was left fuming after a late goal from Chelsea's Cole Palmer was allowed to stand, despite a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside in the build-up. The decision handed Chelsea a 1-0 victory in the West London derby at Craven Cottage, leaving Silva and his players utterly aggrieved.
'It's a Joke': Silva's Explosive Post-Match Rant
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, a visibly angry Silva did not hold back. 'It's a complete mess again,' he stated. 'The way they're doing things, it's a joke. For the people who are in charge of it, it's difficult to understand what's going on.'
Silva's fury centred on the lack of clarity and communication during the review process. He revealed that the on-field referee, Anthony Taylor, was not even instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, a point that particularly incensed the Fulham staff.
A Costly Decision in the Premier League Battle
The disallowed goal proved to be the defining moment of a tightly-contested match. A point would have been a deserved reward for Fulham's resilient performance against their wealthier neighbours. Instead, the controversial call leaves them looking over their shoulder in the league table, while Chelsea snatch all three points.
This incident is the latest in a long line of VAR controversies to plague the Premier League this season, raising further questions about the consistency and application of the technology. Silva's outburst echoes the frustrations of managers, players, and fans across the country who have grown weary of contentious decisions affecting match outcomes.
The fallout from this incident is sure to continue, with pressure mounting on PGMOL, the body responsible for referees in English football, to provide answers and ensure greater transparency in future matches.
