Burnley and Fulham Coaches Express Displeasure with VAR
Coaches Scott Parker of Burnley and Marco Silva of Fulham expressed their dissatisfaction with the video assistant referee (VAR) after their teams’ defeats in the Premier League, due to VAR interventions during Saturday’s matches. Parker’s Burnley seemed on course to get a valuable point against Manchester United, after his team managed to equalize twice. However, in added time, United’s winger, Amad Diallo, was held by Jaidon Anthony inside the area. The on-field referee, Sam Barrott, did not initially award a penalty, but after reviewing the play on video, he changed his decision. In the first half, United also saw a penalty overturned after VAR review.Silva, for his part, expressed his frustration after Chelsea benefited from some controversial refereeing decisions in their 2-0 victory over Fulham. A tense match, decided by a header from João Pedro and a penalty from Enzo Fernández, was affected by the cancellation of a goal by Josh King for Fulham. The decision angered Silva, who couldn’t hide his discomfort in the band.It’s the direction the game is taking. It will become the most sterile game there is. We’re probably months or a year away from not celebrating goals.
Scott Parker, Burnley manager
Silva was also displeased with the added time at the end of the first half, in which Chelsea scored. In the second half, Silva reacted sarcastically when a penalty was awarded to Chelsea for a handball by Ryan Sessegnon, after another VAR review. Silva pointed out several unsanctioned potential fouls in favor of Fulham. Fernández converted the penalty in the 56th minute.Incredible that the goal was disallowed.
Marco Silva, Fulham manager
For someone who loves football as a coach, as a former football player, as a fan, sometimes when I watch a match, I feel sad, really. Simply that.
Marco Silva, Fulham coach
