Fulham have formally approached the PGMOL after a goal by Liverpool forward Florian Wirtz stood during Sunday’s 2-2 draw, an incident that has sparked debate across the Premier League. The decision has become known as the latest Fulham VAR controversy, with manager Marco Silva expressing his frustration over the ruling.
Wirtz appeared to receive the ball while in an offside position, yet the goal was allowed following a lengthy VAR check. This season, offside rules were adjusted to include a 5cm tolerance, designed to give attackers the benefit of the doubt.
Wirtz, however, was deemed less than 5cm ahead of Fulham defender Issa Diop, prompting the club to request a detailed explanation.
Silva said of the incident: “This is a Fulham VAR controversy that we still do not understand. I have more images, different tools. I cannot believe how that goal was allowed. It was a clear offside.”
Inconsistencies Highlighted by Silva
The Fulham boss compared the Wirtz goal with a similar situation earlier in the season. “Look back four weeks, Crystal Palace at home, Emile Smith Rowe’s goal disallowed but less than five centimetres that time.
Who was talking about five centimetres then? What happened this game? I still don’t understand,” Silva added, emphasising that such decisions form part of the ongoing Fulham VAR controversy.
While Silva accepts that football will always include human error, he insists the calls against Fulham have been especially impactful.
“We are still waiting for feedback from the Premier League. It was clear. It’s much more than 5cm,” he said, pointing to the tight margin on Wirtz’s goal.
Silva’s History of VAR Disputes
The Wirtz goal is not the first time Silva has publicly questioned refereeing decisions. The Portuguese manager has previously criticised officials, notably during Fulham’s dramatic collapse at Old Trafford in 2023.
Silva was sent off after striker Aleksandar Mitrovic shoved referee Chris Kavanagh, leading to a two-match touchline ban and £40,000 fine. Mitrovic also received an eight-game ban and later issued a formal apology.
More recently, Silva has continued to express his dissatisfaction with VAR decisions. Following a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in September, he described some calls as “incredible” and difficult to comprehend.
These previous incidents contribute to the perception of a broader Fulham VAR controversy surrounding the club this season.
Manager Calls for Consistency
Silva has called for consistency in how VAR decisions are applied. Speaking after the Liverpool draw, he noted: “Difficult for us – impossible – to understand the VAR decisions today.”
He highlighted a potential penalty decision, stating: “It is very difficult for me to say that Martinez is not a penalty. If a player is taken out inside the box, it is a penalty everywhere in the world.”
The ongoing Fulham VAR controversy emphasises the challenge of implementing the 5cm tolerance fairly across all situations.
Silva’s insistence on clarity reflects the club’s broader concern about the interpretation of marginal offside decisions.
Implications for Fulham
The Wirtz goal adds to a series of contentious VAR calls that have affected Fulham’s season. While the new offside tolerance aims to reduce marginal errors, Silva’s frustration underscores how such measures can still spark debate.
The club has requested a comprehensive review of the decision, seeking assurance that VAR rules are applied consistently.
For Fulham, the focus remains on securing points on the field, but the Fulham VAR controversy surrounding Wirtz is unlikely to fade quickly.
Supporters and analysts alike await feedback from the Premier League and PGMOL, which may clarify how tight offside calls are judged going forward.
The Premier League’s response to the Wirtz goal could set an important precedent for future matches. For Silva and Fulham, the hope is that a thorough explanation will resolve the latest chapter in what has become a recurring Fulham VAR controversy this season.
Meanwhile, the club must balance off-field disputes with the need to maintain focus on Premier League fixtures.
Until then, the Wirtz goal and its surrounding debate will remain a central talking point among Fulham fans, with the club determined to seek clarity from the league.
The Fulham VAR controversy continues to highlight the fine line between marginal offside calls and the interpretation of modern football rules.
