VAR Controversy Overshadows Chelsea’s Win as Fulham Left Furious at Penalty Decision

SME News UK. Chelsea’s clash with Fulham at Stamford Bridge was once again marred by VAR controversy, with the hosts awarded a hotly disputed penalty that left Marco Silva and his Fulham players incensed.The decisive moment came in the first half when Trevoh Chalobah’s cross struck the arm of Ryan Sessegnon inside the box. Referee Rob Jones, advised to check the pitch-side monitor, deemed Sessegnon’s arm to be in an “unnatural position” and pointed to the spot.However, replays also appeared to show the ball striking the hand of Chelsea’s Joao Pedro in the build-up to the incident. While many expected play to be pulled back for the initial handball, VAR ruled Pedro’s involvement as accidental, allowing the penalty to stand.Explaining his decision, referee Jones said:”After review, Fulham No.30 makes his body unnaturally bigger by blocking a cross, with his arms extended away from his body. Therefore, my final decision is penalty kick.”The ruling drew anger from the visiting players, staff, and supporters, who had already seen two other key decisions go against them earlier in the half.Fulham’s Misfortune MountsFulham thought they had taken the lead when 18-year-old Josh King scored a superb solo effort, only for VAR to intervene once again. Rodrigo Muniz was adjudged to have fouled Chalobah in the build-up, with the goal chalked off to the disbelief of Silva’s side.Later, another Chelsea goal was allowed to stand despite protests from the Fulham bench, compounding the sense of frustration for the visitors.Pundits ReactCommentator Darren Fletcher summed up the mood in the stands:”So he clearly sees the ball striking Joao Pedro’s hand is… not intended? But he’s given the penalty for the arms being outstretched by Ryan Sessegnon. In the current state of affairs I’m not surprised, but it’s the initial handball that should have been looked at more closely.”Co-commentator Lucy Ward added:”Joao Pedro’s arm was away from his body and it was kicked by Tete, so they’ve obviously judged that not to be handball. But Sessegnon’s was given. Marco Silva’s going to combust — it’s just one of those days where every big call goes against Fulham.”Silva’s Frustration Boils OverFor Silva, the decisions capped off a torrid afternoon at Stamford Bridge. Laughing in disbelief at times on the touchline, the Fulham manager was visibly furious at the string of refereeing calls that went against his team.Meanwhile, Chelsea fans celebrated their good fortune as Enzo Fernández coolly converted from the spot, underlining the harsh reality for Fulham: while the controversy may dominate headlines, the points remain with their West London rivals.