MARCO Silva could be in hot water with the authorities once more after slamming the decision to allow Manchester City’s second goal in Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at the Etihad.
Fulham fell behind to Julian Alvarez’s 31st minute opener, but were quickly level thanks to Tim Ream’s tap in.
However, City went back ahead in controversial circumstances deep into first-half stoppage time when Nathan Ake’s header went in with Manuel Akanji clearly in an offside position and seemingly impeding Bernd Leno from making a save.
All of the subsequent visiting protests fell on deaf ears as Fulham found themselves trailing at the break.
And even though Erling Haaland went on to complete a second-half hat-trick, it was Ake’s goal which still provoked fury from Silva, no stranger to criticising decisions awarded against his side in recent times.
The Fulham boss raged: “Everyone that plays football and has some knowledge of the game would be 100 percent sure (VAR) has to disallow the goal.
“The more times you see that, the more you know it has to be disallowed.
“The player pulled away from the line of the ball and into the direction of goal.
“It is a clear offside. It is impossible for the VAR not to see it.”
Fulham travelled north without Joao Palhinha in their squad after the Portuguese midfielder saw a dream deadline day move to Bayern Munich fall through.
Silva understands Palhinha’s frustration but is promising everyone at Craven Cottage will support the player despite his disappointment at missing out on a switch to the German giants.
The Fulham boss added: “It was a tough day for him, one of the toughest days of his life.
“He loves to be with us but that was a big chance to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“Nobody can tell what he is feeling right now.
“He is going to need all the support from our fans and his team-mates.”
One man who came in on deadline day was Alex Iwobi on a five-year deal from Everton for a fee which could rise to £22million.
The attacking midfielder is no stranger to Silva, who signed him from Arsenal in 2019 while manager of the Toffees.
And the 27-year-old is looking forward to working together with his old gaffer once again back in the capital.
Iwobi said: “He spoke to me about the ambitions of the club and where he wants to go with the club, so I’m on board and I’m hoping I can bring something to the club.
“He wants to challenge for things and I feel like he gave me the confidence because he said that with my qualities, he is able to do so.
“I hope I’m able to repay the faith.
“He believes in my abilities and it is something I need when I am playing football so I can express myself. I just can’t wait to work under him.”
Defender Fode Ballo-Toure has also joined on loan from AC Milan for the remainder of the campaign, while Anthony Knockaert has been released by the Cottagers.
