'It's unbelievable to disallow a goal like that' - Marco Silva criticises VAR after defeat

Fulham were defeated 2-0 at Stamford Bridge this Saturday against Chelsea in a Premier League matchday 3 fixture, and Marco Silva did not hide his frustration with the officiating.

Joao Pedro's first-half header gave the Blues the lead before Enzo Fernandez sealed the win from the penalty spot.

Speaking to the BBC, via Sportal, the Portuguese manager highlighted his team's strong start but lamented the impact of the decisions made by referee Robert Jones and the VAR on the match's outcome.

"Of course, it was a special game for everyone. It's the best competition in the world, and I saw my team play excellent football in the first half; we didn't come here just to defend. So, in terms of performance, it was an excellent first half, but all the decisions from the VAR and the referee had a huge impact on the game. The second half was not at the level I like."

The most contentious moment occurred when a Fulham goal was disallowed for an alleged foul. "It's unbelievable how you can disallow a goal like that. The VAR isn't here to re-referee the game, but to see clear and obvious things. It was unbelievable to rule that goal out," fired Marco Silva, who chose not to elaborate further.

"I'd rather not say anything else because I'll be punished. I want to be on the touchline for the next game, I don't want to be fined."

Following a disallowed goal for Joshua King, Chelsea were awarded a penalty for a handball by Ryan Sessegnon, which was converted by Enzo Fernández. However, in the same play, Fulham claimed that João Pedro also handled the ball inside the box.

With this result, Fulham have just two points after three matches, while Chelsea secure their second Premier League win and move to seven points.