Marco Silva laments decision not to show Malo Gusto a red card

Fulham boss Marco Silva has bemoaned the decision not to show Malo Gusto a red card for a challenge on Willian during the first half of the Cottager's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues ran out narrow victors on Saturday afternoon thanks to a penalty at the end of the first period by Cole Palmer.

And despite threatening late in the Premier League clash, the visitors felt aggrieved by the non call after Gusto's tackle on Willian, which left the Brazilian writhing in pain once the defender's studs clamped down on his ankle.

Referee Anthony Taylor produced a yellow card, while VAR decided it merited nothing further but Silva insisted that the tackle should have resulted in the Chelsea player receiving his marching orders when the game was still level.

'Derby, as we expected a lot of challenges,' he said post-match.  'Chelsea started better than us. After the first 15 minutes we had our moments.

'We started to create some problems. We have to talk about the red card, it has to be a red card for Gusto, it's difficult to understand how things aren't consistent. For me it's a clear red card.'

The issue of consistency has been a topic of intense discussion this season as the likes of Curtis Jones and Yves Bissouma have received red cards for similar challenges earlier in the campaign.

Marcus Rashford was also given his marching orders after he planted his foot on an opponent, though that incident took place during a Champions League tie against FC Copenhagen.

Silva's side stayed in a tight game against the Blues and set up a grandstand finish with a flurry of chances in the dying minutes of the tie. But they ultimately left the home of their rivals with the familiar feeling of defeat.

'Second half we had some chances,