MARCO Silva believes Malo Gusto should have been dismissed in today’s SW6 derby between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
Gusto received a yellow card for a late challenge on Willian before the break with the game still scoreless, although replays suggested a red might have been the correct outcome.
VAR failed to recommend referee Anthony Taylor should go to the pitchside monitor to have a look for himself and so the original decision stood, much to the Fulham manager’s frustration.
He said: “In my opinion, and our opinion, it is the same conversation that I had with the fourth official – it is a clear red card in that situation.
“In my opinion Anthony Taylor decided – it is difficult for him to see if it is a red card or not – he decided it was a yellow card.
“We have to be fair with him because in the moment it is really quick for him to see if it is so dangerous that tackle from Malo Gusto.
“But after this you can make decisions from the VAR to overturn the decision in my opinion.
“So far in the Premier League in 10 moments like that one, nine has been a red card.
“This afternoon it wasn’t a red card. The decision was clearly a mistake from the VAR to not overturn the decision.
“We wished for instructions for Anthony Taylor to go to the VAR on the screen.”
Chelsea were awarded a first half stoppage time penalty when Issa Diop tripped Raheem Sterling, with Cole Palmer confidently converting from 12 yards to seal a 1-0 Blues win.
The outcome of the fixture was an all too familiar one for Fulham fans, who have not seen their side win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
Silva said: “Chelsea started better than us, you have to say.
“The way we started the game was not at our best level. They started on the front foot.
“We had some problems and difficulties to connect the first passes between us.
“Every time we won the ball the reaction was strong from Chelsea, but it was much more our fault to not connect well.”
However, the Whites boss felt there was an improvement from his side which deserved more, notably when Harry Wilson was denied by Djordje Petrovic’s leg in the first half.
Silva explained: “After the first 15 or 20 minutes the game started to be more balanced, some spells for Chelsea and others for us as well.
“We had our moments and a very good chance for Harry Wilson to score as well. It was a great save by the Chelsea goalkeeper.
“The penalty came in the last minute and that gave them a chance to lead at half-time.”
He added: “In the second half we took some risks and there was much more space for Chelsea, some counter attacks and some moments to create some chances.
“We had our moments as well with our chances.
“The game was much more open and we should have scored. We had our chances to score as well and probably should have equalised.”
