Fulham manager Marco Silva delivered an emotional reaction after his side’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, claiming VAR left him “sad for football.”
The Portuguese coach saw his team start brightly and even score through 18-year-old Josh King, only for the goal to be controversially overturned by VAR for a foul on Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea went on to take control, scoring through João Pedro’s header just before half-time and an Enzo Fernandez penalty after the break.
Speaking after the match, Silva said Fulham’s “outstanding first half” was undermined by refereeing decisions, echoing his anger after similar controversies in last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United.
Marco Silva Reaction
On how he felt after the defeat, Silva admitted his disappointment extended beyond his role as Fulham boss:
“For someone that loves football, of course I am here as a Fulham manager, but someone that loves football as a manager, former player, fan sometimes when I can just watch a game, I feel sad, really. Just that.” — Marco Silva
Asked what specifically made him feel sad, Silva pointed directly at the VAR interventions:
“It is a special game with millions and millions of people watching around the world. I saw my team playing outstanding football in the first half. Playing football. Not trying to be fake or park the bus. We know the financial difference, we know they are in a different planet, but the boys were outstanding. After what happened last week against Man United… all the decisions from VAR that people cannot understand. Similar things that happen for the opposition happen to us, and they decide in a different way.” — Marco Silva
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham stats
Fulham’s frustration is reflected in the numbers, with Chelsea more clinical but not overwhelmingly dominant.
| Stat | Chelsea | Fulham |
|---|---|---|
| Ball possession | 56% | 44% |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.39 | 1.13 |
| Total shots | 13 | 10 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 2 |
| Big chances | 3 | 0 |
| Passes | 488 | 378 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 10 | 16 |
source: sofascore – 30 Aug 2025
Despite creating 10 shots, Fulham failed to register a big chance. Chelsea’s set-piece efficiency again proved the difference, with Pedro’s goal their fourth from corners in just two league games.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Silva’s complaints carry weight, but stressed Chelsea still had the upper hand:
“Fulham were brave, they pressed well and caused Chelsea problems. But they never created a clear-cut chance. VAR decisions frustrate fans and managers, but Chelsea’s organisation, particularly at set-pieces, is what swung the match.”
He added: “Silva’s wider point about consistency in VAR is valid. Managers are struggling to understand where the line is drawn. Two weeks in a row Fulham feel hard done by — that eats away at confidence.”
Key Insights
- Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: João Pedro and Fernandez score either side of half-time.
- Josh King’s early goal ruled out by VAR for foul on Chalobah.
- Marco Silva: “I feel sad for football… my boys were outstanding.”
- Chelsea scored their fourth corner goal in two PL games.
- Silva links frustration to last week’s VAR drama vs Man United.
What’s Next?
Chelsea travel to Brentford before a Champions League trip to Bayern Munich, with Enzo Maresca balancing Premier League form and European ambition.
Fulham return to Craven Cottage, where they face Leeds before hosting Brentford. Marco Silva will be desperate to see his side convert strong passages of play into their first win of the season.
Was Marco Silva right to slam VAR again, or should Fulham focus on their missed chances at Stamford Bridge?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 30 Aug 2025 15:16
Hats off, they played really good and were better than us tbh. After the 1 and 2-0 it was over
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