PGMOL chief Howard Webb has confirmed that Fulham’s opening goal against Chelsea was wrongly ruled out, admitting that Rodrigo Muniz’s challenge on Trevoh Chalobah should not have been considered a foul. Joshua King thought he had given Fulham the lead in the 21st minute, but referee Robert Jones disallowed the strike after a VAR review deemed there was an infringement in the build-up.
The decision proved costly for Marco Silva’s side, who dominated much of the first half but went behind to Joao Pedro’s header just before the break. Chelsea extended their lead in the second half with Enzo Fernández converting from the penalty spot, securing a vital three points at Stamford Bridge despite Fulham’s protests.
VAR official Michael Salisbury, who was responsible for the review, was dropped from officiating Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal the following day as punishment for the error. Speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up, Webb admitted the mistake, saying: “It wasn’t controversial, it was wrong… We should only be taking goals away when the evidence is very clear that that’s the only thing we can do. In this case, it was not clear, and the goal should have stood.”