Marco Silva: Fulham boss unhappy with referee after defeat at Aston Villa – ‘It’s very difficult for us to understand’
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Published 03/05/2025 at 19:38 GMT+1
Marco Silva appeared frustrated following Fulham's 1-0 Premier League defeat away at Aston Villa, where his players picked up five yellow cards. The Cottagers' manager was also booked, afterwards saying it is "difficult to understand" some of the referee's decisions. Silva has now been carded three times this season, so he will serve a touchline ban for Fulham's next fixture.
Silva fumes at refereeing display - 'We all know what's happened'
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Fulham manager Marco Silva has expressed his frustration with the officiating during his side’s 1–0 defeat away at Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Youri Tielemans’ powerful 12th-minute header was the only goal of the game, boosting Villa’s chances of securing UEFA Champions League football again next season.
The Cottagers thought they had got themselves back in it at Villa Park when Ryan Sessegnon found the back of the net, but it was ruled out for handball in the moments before his second-half strike.
Boss Marco Silva cut a frustrated figure on the touchline and was shown a yellow card in the closing stages for his reaction to Villa playing on, despite defender Calvin Bassey going down with a head injury.
The Portuguese’s emotion carried on into his post-match interview, where he appeared unhappy with referee Robert Jones.
"Just yellow cards for Fulham," he told TNT Sports.
"It was not just one or two, even at the end of the game, another yellow card for Fulham Football Club.
"It’s very difficult for us to understand.
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"I just tried to understand why every time a player from Villa was down, the referee stopped the game. [But when] Calvin Bassey was on the grass, that moment was not stopped.
"It’s been difficult for us to have some explanations for Rob Jones. It’s the fifth time with us this season and we all know what’s happened.
"It was so easy, the yellow cards for Fulham this afternoon."
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Highlights: Villa edge past Fulham to boost UCL bid
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Silva’s booking today is his third this season, meaning he will serve a touchline ban for Fulham’s next game at home to Everton.
His side have enjoyed a successful campaign and are on track for a club record Premier League points tally, needing just three more from their remaining three top-flight matches.
They are also pushing for a place to qualify for European football next season, with more spots than usual up for grabs for English sides.
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