Marco Silva could find himself in trouble with the Football Association after suggesting referee Samuel Barrott was too inexperienced to handle Fulham’s 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United this afternoon.
The Portuguese head coach, who has already served a touchline ban this season for picking up three yellow cards, was incensed at Barrott’s management of the match and that the official failed to spot an early elbow from Newcastle skipper Jamal Lascalles on Raul Jimenez. The Mexican was sent off shortly afterwards for a crazy lunge at Sean Longstaff.
Silva told his post-match press conference at St. James’ Park:
“In my opinion, it was a strange and poor performance from the referee, from the first minute to the last. I am not talking just about the red card, it was the way he managed the whole game. He gave the first decision for Fulham with 21 minutes gone in the game. All the challenges, all the moments before the red card, they were against Fulham. It was really strange.
Before the red card, Lascelles did a clear elbow on Raul. If they go to VAR, it is a clear elbow, but it was not even a foul. I am not saying whether that should be a red card or not, but the VAR did not even stop the game to check. That is strange. It is a clear foul on Raul, but in the opinion of the referee, it was not a foul. After the elbow, Raul has to be much more calm. Do not go to challenge in that way. The ball was not there to challenge, although the way he jumped in at the player, it was not a serious challenge for me.
The decision from the referee was the most assertive one, but the VAR wanted to decide something different. Two minutes before, the same VAR didn’t even check the elbow. Everything was strange in terms of the decisions. Newcastle are a very good side, but before the match, I really thought this was a good moment to come and match them and fight them.
But at the same time, you have to come with a referee with the right experience and ability to be able to handle the pressure. In my opinion, this afternoon, that was not the situation. Was the referee not experienced enough to handle the situation? In my opinion, that is clear. It is clear. There are no doubts about that.”
That challenge from Jimenez was insane. He should be arrested for assault never mind a red card. Silva needs to give his head a shake if he doesn’t think that’s a sending off
Shame you can’t tell the truth and speak your mind in all walks of life not only football
If Lascelles’ tomahawk cracked on the other side of Jimenez’s head then he’d be in early retirement. Like gone.
And Jimenez had turned away from his high challenge to, in the end, pillow – cheek-to-cheek – butt-kiss Longstaf’s cheek. Soft – very soft. Longstaf was not injured in anyway.
Another obvious poor officiated game that the Football Association ought to deal with as it is continually putting the game in disrepute.
It had to be a red card but Marco’s right about the referees seeming “bias”. He may have been just diplomatic enough to avoid a charge hopefully.
I wonder can the treatment we appear to be receiving from referees week in week out, be anything to do with the continued disrespect Marco has shown the officials? I’m sure his responses can be understood, but I would remind him, there can only be one winner. Bashing your head against a brick wall is not a sensible tactic, there will be only one winner.