Fulham manager Marco Silva has criticized VAR for not recommending a red card for Malo Gusto’s challenge on Willian during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over their west London neighbors. Despite the Blues recovering from a midweek Carabao Cup setback, Silva expressed frustration with the VAR decision.
The controversy arose when Gusto grabbed Willian’s ankle with a straight leg just before Cole Palmer’s first-half injury time spot-kick, which resulted from Raheem Sterling being fouled in the box. Despite the severity of the challenge, VAR, led by Michael Salisbury, did not prompt referee Anthony Taylor to consult the pitchside monitor.
Silva expressed his discontent with the decision, stating that fourth official Simon Hooper agreed that the incident warranted a red card. In his interview with TNT Sports, Silva acknowledged Fulham’s attempts to create problems in the game but lamented the missed opportunity to lead at halftime due to the controversial penalty decision.
Silva emphasized the inconsistency in VAR decisions, asserting that the Premier League should maintain a constant standard. He criticized the missed call on Gusto’s challenge, deeming it a blatant red card and questioning why VAR did not intervene.
When asked about the lack of a red card for Gusto’s challenge, Silva revealed discussions with the fourth official, who shared his opinion. However, Silva emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with VAR, expressing disappointment with the VAR’s failure to rectify what he perceived as a clear error in judgment. Despite Antony Taylor issuing a yellow card, Silva maintained that the VAR should have intervened, especially given the potential danger of the tackle.
