Marco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.
Silva rages at VAR decisions Josh King denied Fulham opener Sessegnon concedes pen for handball Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob Jones after Rodrigo Muniz was adjudged to have committed what was deemed a "careless challenge" on Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up to the goal. Fulham were later incensed when Joao Pedro headed Chelsea in front after nine minutes of added time at the end of the first half, with the officials having initially declared a minimum of eight.
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And the visitors were left fuming once again when Chelsea were awarded a second-half penalty after Ryan Sessegnon was penalised for handling a cross from Chalobah, despite replays showing the ball had struck Blues forward Pedro's hand before the incident with the Fulham defender.
WHAT SILVA SAID
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Fulham boss Silva said of the controversial decisions: "[The VAR decision] changed the game. Overall performance wise we were outstanding first half, playing the game like it should be played. We should be proud. We were clearly the best team in the first half.
"It is a great finish from our young boy [Josh King]. The referee and VAR decision I cannot control. I try to speak as best as I can. I have some words, everyone is shocked in the dressing room, people watching TV, everyone. Many things happen. The first goal when they give eight minutes extra time. Nothing happens in that eight minutes. Chelsea have a corner, then another corner. It is already nine minutes. The game should be stopped. I would like to understand why."
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Continuing to express his frustration towards referee Jones and the video assistant referee (VAR), Silva added: "The penalty is another shocking decision. Someone at the screen [VAR] has seen something unbelievable like a stamp [for the disallowed goal]. The same people did not see a foul on Josh King and handball by Joao Pedro, and the stamp on Alex Iwobi. The same four eyes saw something unbelievable in the first half didn't see the same for us in the second half.
"The has to be balance. The official was very balanced because after the decisions our emotions were too much. He understood in the right moments, did not show yellow cards and I have to praise him. "He refereed the game like a derby. He didn't see something [for Josh King's goal] and by the protocol he should be called to the screen if is is obvious and clear but no-one can tell me that it was."