Fulham manager Marco Silva expresses disbelief over a controversial goal scored by Manchester City during their 5-1 match today, September 2.
With the game tied at 1-1 just before halftime, Nathan Ake put City ahead after Tim Ream had canceled out Julian Alvarez's opener.
Nathan Ake celebrating his goal. Source: Getty
Ake's header, from Phil Foden's corner, found the net, but replays showed that Manuel Akanji, who was clearly offside, was obstructing the goalkeeper's view.
Akanki didn't touch the ball, deliberately avoiding it because he knew he was offside. This delayed Bernd Leno's reaction, and despite VAR review, the goal was allowed.
This decision sparked protests from Silva on the sideline and Fulham players on the field. Ultimately, Fulham lost 5-1 to Manchester City, with Erling Haaland scoring a second-half hat-trick.
Marco Silva protesting City's second goal.
Silva expressed his frustration, saying, “The second half was not at the level that it should be. I tried to tell the players not to lose focus from things that we cannot control but, of course, that moment made a huge impact on them.
“Even all the explanations that we listened to during that period didn’t make sense at all.
“What I can say? Everyone that plays football, everyone that has played football, everyone that has some knowledge about football. I’m 100 per cent sure has to disallow that goal.
“Everyone has to be furious if a goal like that comes against you. For the linesman I believe that it can be difficult but, for the VAR, it is impossible not to disallow that goal. It is a clear offside.”
Fulham's next Premier League game is against Luton Town on September 16, while City will visit West Ham.