Marco Silva has voiced his frustration over the use of VAR following a controversial refereeing decision, suggesting that the technology intervened only because the original on-field call was clearly flawed.

Speaking after the match, the Fulham head coach expressed concern over the consistency of officiating, arguing that VAR’s involvement appeared to be influenced by the perceived quality of the referee’s initial judgement rather than a clear and obvious error alone.

According to Silva, the foul in question was interpreted differently once reviewed, raising doubts about how decisions are assessed during matches. He implied that had the referee made a stronger initial call, VAR may not have felt compelled to step in.

“It felt like the decision changed because the first call was not good enough,” Silva said. “That is not how VAR is supposed to work.”

The incident has reignited debate around the implementation of VAR in the Premier League, with managers and players increasingly questioning the lack of uniformity in its application. While the system was introduced to reduce officiating mistakes, critics argue that subjective interpretation still plays a significant role.

Silva stopped short of placing full blame on VAR itself, instead pointing to broader issues within match officiating. He stressed the need for greater clarity and consistency, particularly in high-pressure moments that can significantly impact the outcome of games.

The Premier League has repeatedly defended VAR, maintaining that it is a supportive tool for referees rather than a replacement. However, incidents such as this continue to fuel calls for improved transparency and communication between officials and clubs.

As discussions around refereeing standards persist, Silva’s comments add to a growing list of voices demanding a clearer framework for how VAR decisions are made and explained.