Premier League release official statement after Bournemouth vs Fulham controversy
Bournemouth beat Fulham 3-1 on Friday evening, thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert but there was a controversial moment that the Premier League have clarified.
While Tom Cairney stunned in Bournemouth vs Fulham, the Cherries deservedly won the game even though they were deprived of a penalty in the second half.
The injury to Sasa Lukic that saw Cairney introduced to the game worsens Fulham’s nightmare injury situation, although they will be grateful that the international break gives them time to nurse the Serbian back to full fitness.
Premier League release statement on Issa Diop incident
In the second half, Bournemouth‘s Evanlison hit the deck after his ankle was stepped on by Issa Diop, but after a lengthy VAR review, the officials determined that it was accidental and not deserving of a penalty.
At the time, the score was 0-0, but it didn’t stop Bournemouth from going on to score three goals after coming from behind.
In a statement on X, the Premier League said: “The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Diop on Evanilson deemed to be accidental.”
Premier League officiating has been inconsistent this season
The Premier League has been rife with refereeing inconsistencies this season after Viktor Gyokeres was denied a penalty in Newcastle United vs Arsenal.
While it’s understandable that referees don’t want to award penalties for accidental incidents, Diop deprived Evanilson of the opportunity to receive the ball in the box. Diop might not have intended to foul the Cherries star, but it was still a promising situation for the home team.
Ultimately, the decision didn’t deprive Bournemouth of their win as they scored three second-half goals to win the game.
Andoni Iraola’s side goes second in the Premier League table after winning four of their opening seven games of the 2025-26 season. Jamie Redknapp believes Iraola is one of the best coaches in the world, and based on last season and this term, he’s got a point.