Referee John Brooks found himself in the crosshairs from Fulham manager Marco Silva after his side lost 3-2 against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday
Fulham manager Marco Silva was furious with the officials after his side slipped to a dramatic late defeat against Manchester United. Benjamin Sesko scored an injury-time winner for United after Fulham had fought back from 2-0 down in a gripping finale at Old Trafford.
Goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha had United 2-0 up and cruising on Sunday afternoon before Silva’s side roared back. Raul Jimenez netted from the penalty spot after Harry Maguire’s foul before Kevin curled a stunning finish into the top corner to equalise in the 91st minute.
However, United went straight up the other end, with Bruno Fernandes picking out Sesko to score on the swivel in the box. His goal ensured United continued their 100 per cent record under Michael Carrick’s management, but left Silva raging.
United’s opening goal came from a free-kick that was awarded following consultation from VAR. Initially referee John Brooks had awarded United a penalty for Jorge Cuenca’s challenge on Cunha in the box.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko rescues Man Utd with last-gasp winner in Fulham thriller – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Premier League explain Man Utd VAR penalty overturn as Red Devils issue perfect response
But VAR replays showed Cuenca had got the ball. Yet rather than overturn the penalty, Brooks changed his call to a free-kick outside the box because Cuenca had pulled Cunha’s shirt. Fernandes curled a cross in and Casemiro planted a powerful header past Bernd Leno to open the scoring, with Silva subsequently receiving a yellow card for his protestations.
“The story of the game started with a horrendous terrible decision from John Brooks with the penalty he gave,” Silva raged to Sky Sports. “Horrendous decision from that moment, big, big mistake. It was the first time we saw all the Premier League fans and us coaches and players. We have to take all this frustration to win the next one.”
He added: “The penalty was given by the tackle. After, because the decision was so bad, they found a different foul.
“I feel my players, I feel our fans but we have to respect and the people in charge. I know why the penalty was given. VAR went in a completely different direction to find something to find a free-kick that was not the reason why the penalty was given.”
Asked if he had spoken to Brooks, Silva replied: “I don’t want get more cards because I want to be on the touchline. I don’t want to speak more.”
There was further involvement from VAR in the game, with the officials at Stockley Park intervening to rule out Cuenca’s goal in the second half which would have made it 2-1. The Fulham defender scored after two deflected shots, only for Samuel Chukwueze to have been found to be marginally offside.
One decision did go in Fulham’s favour, however, with Jimenez awarded a penalty after Maguire took him out while trying to block his shot. His cool effort from the spot got the away side back into the match, but ultimately counted for little.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
