It might seem like ancient history already but Fulham’s disallowed goal against Chelsea at the weekend is still upsetting me. The youngster Josh King was denied a fabulous goal on the highest stage. It could also have led to Fulham taking all three points, or at least one.

Each is a reason to be miffed as is the fact that not only did the VAR get it wrong, but after looking at the footage, the referee did not understand what had happened either.

Advertisement

There was no foul as Rodrigo Muniz could not plant his foot anywhere else other than where Trevoh Chalobah’s foot happened to be. It was an unfortunate contact, not a careless action or tackle.

Some referees sneer at players as they do not know all the intricacies of the rules, particularly as they change each season. I understand that, though I do not like it one bit.

Players on the other hand get furious with referees who know the rules but do not have enough understanding of the game, and this was a perfect example of that problem.

At least referees body PGMOL tends to issue an apology these days for such errors, though that does not help Fulham and young Josh very much.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter