'Clear offside' - Marco Silva makes his feelings clear on Florian Wirtz goal

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Fulham boss Marco Silva has given his reaction after Florian Wirtz's goal for Liverpool during the 2-2 draw was awarded by VAR, despite replays seemingly showing he was offside

Fulham boss Marco Silva reacts during his side's game against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Fulham boss Marco Silva feels Florian Wirtz’s goal for Liverpool against his side was a “clear offside” after VAR produced yet more controversy at Craven Cottage.

The Reds picked up their second straight draw to start 2026 after Harrison Reed’s incredible strike in stoppage time earned his side a point. Cody Gakpo looked to have earned the visitors a 2-1 win just moments earlier, although there are plenty of question marks surrounding the way in which Liverpool equalized.

Wirtz’s strike after the break was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened to level the scores after Harry Wilson’s opener.

Replays though seemed to show that Wirtz was indeed offside, with the German international’s right foot looking as though it had strayed beyond the last defender.

Wirtz himself even admitted to thinking his goal wouldn’t be given, only for referee Craig Pawson to be instructed to award it.

And while Silva admits his side should have done more to prevent it, the Fulham boss feels the wrong decision was made.

"It was a moment when we lost the ball,” Silva told Sky Sports. “We created a lot of connections, and the positions of the midfielders we have to be more careful. Looked a clear offside, but the lines gave a goal. We took a bit of time to react.”

Florian Wirtz scores Liverpool's equalizer against Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

On the game, Silva added: "I think we did control the game very well. Not with the ball like we like to do it but we did it very well.

“They overload a lot of areas, and we covered them very well. The load with all the games is incredibly tough. We scored two brilliant goals, and we had a great chance with Harry Wilson to score 2-1.

"When we were losing, it was completely unfair for us. We scored an amazing first goal, and we explored that space between the full-back and the center-back. Brilliant moment from Harrison Reed, it put more fairness in the game.

"Sometimes we have to change, and we are in a moment where we knew Tom Cairney would be important for us to start. We knew we needed cover behind him because he's not young anymore. We tried to protect him, and it did work really well.

"The players are doing so much for the football club. The numbers are short.

"Harrison Reed is not playing the minutes he would like, but he is the first one pushing the others to go forward. I am very pleased for him because if someone deserves a moment like that, it is him."