Fulham manager given bumper FA fine following ‘strange’ Newcastle United comments

Marco Silva has been fined £80,000 by the FA for comments following Fulham’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United in December.

The Cottagers were in the game until Raul Jimenez was dismissed for a reckless first-half lunge on Sean Longstaff. An initial yellow card was overturned after a VAR consultation and the Mexican was sent for an early shower.

Moments earlier, Toon skipper Jamaal Lascelles escaped punishment for a foul on Jimenez. That formed the crux of Silva’s resentment despite watching his side slump to a convincing 3-0 loss at St James' Park.

The 46-year-old questioned whether referee Sam Barrott had the experience to officiate a Premier League fixture. Silva said: "Clearly, no doubt (whether the ref was experienced enough). It was a really strange performance from the referee from the first to the last minute.

"Lascelles clearly elbowed Raul and it was not even a foul. I'm not saying red card, but a clear foul. You need referees with experience and to be able to handle the pressure.”

The FA have now fined Silva £80,000 for improper conduct after he admitted to the offence. Fulham fans will be relieved as their manager escaped a touchline ban, although he was warned for future conduct.

Ironically, Silva made further comments about a refereeing incident following Newcastle’s 2-0 at Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend. The Portuguese coach questioned whether either of the Magpies’ strikes - which saw them advance to a fifth-round tie against Blackburn Rovers - should have been allowed to stand.