Fulham boss puzzled by VAR’s lack of impact in Chelsea defeat

Fulham head coach Marco Silva was left stunned that VAR did not intervene to send off Malo Gusto in Chelsea’s 1-0 derby win on Saturday.

Referee Anthony Taylor only booked the French full-back for a late tackle on Willian.

Cole Palmer’s penalty on the stroke of half-time inflicted a fifth defeat in eight matches in all competitions.

“The referee started the game in the way he normally likes to ref – letting the game go and I believe that a derby should be that way,” said Silva.

“But before that we have to talk about the red card – it is difficult to understand how things are not consistent at this level.

“Ten times so far this season it has been a red card (foul) but not this time. It is a dangerous tackle.”

Asked if he had spoken to Taylor about his decision, Silva replied: “Just the fourth official.

“I don’t want to say what he said to me – he has the same opinion as myself – but that was for VAR, it is a clear VAR decision, it doesn’t matter was the opinion of the fourth official is.

“It is difficult to take and frustrating for us. Chelsea started better than us but after the first 15 minutes we started to balance the game a bit more. They had their moments and we had our moments.

“The players gave everything – they fought until the end. It was a big, big effort from then after the Liverpool match, which was so intense for us.”

Fulham have no fixture this weekend before they host Liverpool in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.

The west Londoners will need to overturn a 2-1 deficit.

Tickets for the return at Craven Cottage have sold out.

PICTURE: PA