Fulham manager Marco Silva is once again at loggerheads with the FA following a scathing interview following the club’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Silva, who was clearly furious with the referee during the thrilling five-goal game, could face a touchline ban for comments questioning the integrity of referee John Brooks and the VAR team.
The controversy stemmed from an incident early in the first half when Manchester United were awarded the first penalty for a challenge on Matheus Cunha by Jorge Cuenca.
After a VAR review, the decision was downgraded to a free kick outside the area, but Silva was furious at the logic behind the intervention and the initial decision.
Marco Silva slams referee as ‘terrible’
After the final whistle, Marco Silva gave an interview to the BBC and did not hesitate to label the decision-making process as fundamentally flawed.
“The match started with a terrible decision by John Brooks. His decision was completely wrong,” Silva fumed.
“It was a clear and simple tackle on the ball. I understand that VAR is saying different now, but a penalty was given for a tackle. No one gives a penalty for a pull.”
Silva also suggested that the match was effectively “re-referred” by officials at the VAR hub, claiming that explanations given by a fourth official during the match contradicted the final result.
“I definitely feel[that the match was re-referred]. First of all, it was a terrible call on a clear and simple tackle. The feedback from the fourth official was that the referee would come to the screen. This is probably the first time that a call has been made and it was overturned by VAR.”
Silva has been punished by the FA multiple times in the past.
The FA is expected to scrutinize Silva’s comments under Rule E3, which prohibits managers from suggesting bias or questioning the integrity of match officials.
Unfortunately for the Fulham manager, his history of extensive disciplinary problems could lead to a harsher sanction.
In March 2023, he was charged with misconduct for comments made after an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, and was suspended for two games and fined.
He was fined and warned for making comments about officials after a match against Newcastle United in December 2023.
Silva’s recent ‘terrible decision’ comments could see him forced into the stands at Fulham’s upcoming matches.
