‘Game has gone’ – BBC commentator slams officials for Chelsea v Fulham controversy
Match of the Day commentator Jonathan Pearce was angered by VAR’s decision to disallow Fulham’s opening goal against Chelsea.
On Saturday, 30 August, Chelsea ran out as 2-0 winners over Fulham, thanks to goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez.
Enzo Maresca’s men have now earned two wins from their opening three Premier League games, heading into the international break in good form.
Meanwhile, Fulham thought they had established a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday through Josh King.
But Rodrigo Muniz was adjudged to have fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up, after a VAR review, having stepped on the defender’s foot.
Jonathan Pearce hammers VAR call to disallow Fulham goal v Chelsea
Following his side’s defeat to West London rivals Chelsea, Fulham boss Marco Silva was left fuming with his side’s disallowed goal in his post-match interview.
That sentiment was shared by BBC commentator Pearce.
Speaking on Match of the Day [30 August], Pearce said: “That is highly, highly contentious. I’ll tell you what, let’s make it a no-contact sport.
“Let’s rule out tackling completely. Many people will think the game has gone.”
Marco Silva must establish strong form after the international break
Football Insider verdict
Silva did a stellar job last season, steering Fulham to an 11th-place finish in the Premier League.
| Fulham fixtures | Premier League 2025/26 |
| 13/09 | Leeds (H) |
| 20/09 | Brentford (H) |
| 27/09 | Aston Villa (A) |
However, the Craven Cottage club have made a slow start to the new top-flight campaign, enduring back-to-back draws with Brighton and Manchester United, before being defeated by local rivals Chelsea.
Therefore, Silva must ensure that his side enjoy victory over newly promoted Leeds United in their next Premier League game on 13 September.
After they clash with Daniel Farke’s men, the West Londoners face a trio of winnable league games against Brentford, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth, before hosting Arsenal on 18 October.
Fulham have not landed a top-half finish in the Premier League since 2023, so Silva must guide his team to a strong run of form soon to achieve that goal.
Meanwhile, the Craven Cottage outfit will hope that their upcoming matches are not as controversial as their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.