Josh King's dream of scoring his first Premier League goal was shattered by VAR controversy as Fulham fell 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The 18-year-old academy graduate, who joined the club at age eight, saw his stunning counter-attacking strike chalked off after a lengthy video review.
According to Metro, this would have been King's maiden Premier League goal after a decade working through Fulham's youth system. He raced through on goal from Sander Berge's pass, skillfully evaded Tosin Adarabioyo and wrong-footed Robert Sanchez with a composed finish.
VAR controversy erupts
Referee Rob Jones initially allowed the goal but VAR intervened, ruling that Rodrigo Muniz had committed a "careless challenge" by standing on Trevoh Chalobah's foot in the build-up. The decision sparked immediate outrage from players and supporters alike.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean delivered scathing criticism of the decision. "Rob has been sucked in by the VAR, he has just landed on his foot, which can only go in one place, it is a poor, poor call," Dean said.
Expert condemnation grows
Dean continued his fierce assessment: "The VAR should just stay out of it. It is not a clear and obvious error, but he did not have the nerve to stick with the on-field decision; he panicked, it is just not a foul at all." Jamie Carragher added to the criticism, tweeting that "VAR has had a shocking start to the season".
The controversy highlighted ongoing concerns about VAR's evolution since its 2019 Premier League introduction. The technology was originally designed to correct "clear and obvious errors" but critics argue it now re-referees matches in super slow motion.
Silva's fury boils over
Marco Silva's anger was palpable as he confronted referee Jones on the pitch at half-time. The Fulham manager's mood worsened when Chelsea scored through Joao Pedro in the ninth minute of eight-minute stoppage time, according to GB News.
Silva stared down Jones after the half-time whistle before striding onto the pitch to query the decision. His frustration was visible as steam appeared to rise from his temple.
Match sealed by penalty
Chelsea doubled their lead through Enzo Fernandez's penalty after Ryan Sessegnon was adjudged to have handled the ball. However, moments before that incident, the ball had struck Pedro's arm without any punishment.
Fulham fans directed their anger at the referee throughout the second half. "You're not fit to referee" and "2-0 to the referee" rang around Stamford Bridge as supporters vented their frustration.
Bitter taste remains
For the second consecutive weekend, Fulham felt robbed by controversial decisions. Last Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester United saw Lenny Yoro escape punishment for pushing Calvin Bassey to force a Muniz own goal.
The result left Fulham supporters with a bitter aftertaste to their post-match drinks. In pre-VAR days, they could have been celebrating a rare victory over their west London rivals.
Sources used: "The i", "GB News", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
