Fulham manager Marco Silva faces potential disciplinary action from the Premier League after suggesting that VAR official John Brooks is biased against his team. The outburst followed Fulham's 1-0 defeat to West Ham United at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, a result that leaves the Cottagers in 10th place.
The controversy stemmed from a 49th-minute incident when referee Matt Donohue initially awarded Fulham a penalty for a foul by West Ham's Taty Castellanos on Tom Cairney. However, after being sent to the pitchside monitor by Brooks, Donohue overturned his decision, ruling that Cairney had kicked Castellanos. The final decision was a free-kick to West Ham.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the match, Silva did not hold back. "For me, it's clear... the referees' decisions were at a very low level," he said. "John Brooks with Fulham Football Club, he was on VAR and he was able to decide against the referee decision on the pitch is unbelievable. It has been a little bit the story of our season when John Brooks is involved with us."
The defeat was sealed by Crysencio Summerville's goal, which came from a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Bernd Leno and Calvin Bassey. West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen made several crucial saves to preserve the lead.
Silva's comments could lead to a touchline ban or fine, as Premier League rules prohibit managers from questioning the integrity of match officials. The Football Association is expected to review his remarks.
