“This VAR was actively against us, it seemed like the VAR was supporting Chelsea to win” – This is according to Marco Silva as he sees Josh King’s goal ruled out by VAR in contentious decision before Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez lead the hosts to a comfortable win.

Fulham had an early lead controversially denied by VAR as Josh King’s goal was ruled out before they suffered a 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

King thought he had given Fulham the advantage in the 21st minute when he cut inside the box and finished into the bottom corner, only for referee Rob Jones to call it back after a review. Jones was instructed by VAR official Michael Salisbury to examine footage of a potential foul involving Rodrigo Muniz and Trevoh Chalobah leading up to the goal.

Prior to King’s chance, Muniz had shielded the ball and appeared to step on Chalobah’s foot. After reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, Jones disallowed the goal due to a “careless challenge” by Muniz on Chalobah.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean disagreed with the decision, stating, “I do not think it’s a foul, it should stand. There’s nowhere else the attacker can put his foot. Rob has been influenced by the VAR, and it’s just a poor, poor call.”

Dean further criticized the VAR decision, asserting, “The VAR should have stayed out of it. It was not a clear and obvious error. Rob panicked and did not stick to the on-field decision, which was not a foul at all.”

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher called the VAR decision “shocking,” which added fuel to the debate after Joao Pedro’s header gave Chelsea the lead just before halftime.

Chalobah was again involved in the second half when his shot was blocked by Ryan Sessegnon’s outstretched arms in the area, leading to another VAR review. After a lengthy four-minute check, which also considered potential handball and foul situations, Chelsea were awarded a penalty. Enzo Fernandez converted to double their lead.

Dean confirmed the penalty was the correct call, explaining, “There’s a slight nudge from Joao Pedro, not enough for a handball, but Sessegnon’s arms were too big, and it had to be a penalty.”

Despite the VAR controversy, Fulham suffered their first defeat of the season. Manager Marco Silva’s frustration on the touchline reflected how the game could have unfolded differently.