'Every sympathy' - PGMOL insider backs furious Marco Silva as Fulham officials should be 'embarrassed'
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Credit: TNT Sports
Jack Heath
Sat 30 August 2025 14:59, UK
Marco Silva was fuming after Fulham had an opening goal disallowed for a contentious foul by Rodrigo Muniz on Trevoh Chalobah against Chelsea.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider his thoughts on the Portuguese manager’s anger towards the referee and fourth official after a goal was dubiously chalked off.
The Cottagers entered the match looking for their first league win of the season after coming back yet again as Fulham drew 1-1 against Man United.
Facing against their close London rivals was always going to be a feisty affair but VAR added to tensions by getting involved early on in the match and in the second-half.
Ultimately, Silva’s side could not overturn a 2-0 deficit as a few refereeing decisions went against them throughout the match which could have turned the tide.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
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In the 23rd minute, Josh King was sent through on goal and tucked the ball away superbly, thinking he grabbed a vital goal for the Cottagers.
Yet, moments later VAR intervened to rule out Fulham’s opening goal against Chelsea due to a contentious Rodrigo Muniz foul in the build-up on Trevoh Chalobah.
Fulham manager Silva was incensed by the decision, avidly conversing with the fourth official as he couldn’t believe what he had seen.
Later on, the Portuguese boss was even more enraged after Joao Pedro scored a stoppage time goal in the first half in the ninth minute, despite there being eight minutes added on.
The ex-Everton manager stood waiting for the referee’s on the stroke of half-time before heading down the tunnel, clearly in disbelief with what he had seen.
A goal that was a contentious decision which hinted at pressure coming from VAR to change referee Robert Jones’ decision, Hackett understood the Cottagers’ boss’ frustration.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider the former referee Hackett said: “It is extremely difficult when goals are so scarce in the Premier League that one is chalked off incorrectly.
Credit: Imago
“I do not condone Silva’s actions but I have every sympathy when in a contact sport we are getting so forensic in examining challenges that are a natural part of a contact sport.”
Hackett then added his thoughts on Silva waiting for the referee at half-time amid Pedro’s late half-time goal, saying: “Silva did well to remain calm and shake the hand of his players.
“When Rob Jones and VAR Salisbury see this awful decision they will be embarrassed.