DOM’S ON THE SPOT Solanke’s last-gasp pen
DOMINIC SOLANKE rolled in a 98th-minute penalty to pull Fulham’s hands off the Championship trophy – just as their fans were dreaming of thrusting it into Scott Parker’s face.
In an extraordinary climax to an ordinary game, Bournemouth boss Parker watched his successor at Fulham, Marco Silva, get a red card after referee Graham Scott had spoken to both managers.
A Silva tongue had wagged too loudly for Scott’s liking after the official awarded the spot-kick for a foul on Adam Smith by Harry Wilson.
Solanke kept his cool to score his 28th goal of the season and maintain a nine-point gap between the Cherries and already promoted Fulham.
It was just about deserved for the way Bournemouth had responded with growing pressure after Aleksandar Mitrovic – who else? – had given Silva’s side the lead.
Bournemouth have a game in hand but Parker conceded his old club will almost certainly go up as champions as three points at home against Nottingham Forest on
Tuesday will clinch it. Parker said: “They have a game at home on Tuesday to go and seal the title and become champions and they will deserve it because they are a very good side.”
The former Cottagers boss had been given some fearful abuse from the fans of his old club, who questioned his loyalty, his parentage, and the extent of his self-regard in some colourful language.
It was water off his expensively-tailored jacket for Parker who responded with some polite applause in their direction after his team had snatched a point.
“Football is pantomime at times, I realise that,” said Parker.
“You have to have a hero and a villain and I understand that. All I can say is that I took over Fulham when the club was in despair. I took over a club that was disjointed and I sweated every single ounce of me to put it back together and be successful.
“It hurts me and I’m disappointed with that but I take it that’s the world we’re in.”
Mitrovic’s powerful header from Wilson’s cross in the 56th minute was the Serbian striker’s 45th goal of an astonishing season.
Tosin Adarabioyo then almost secured the win as his header hit the bar, but it was not until their final attack as the clock ticked down that Wilson took an ill-judged swipe at Smith in the penalty area.
By the time Solanke scored, Silva was off down the tunnel and although he confessed it was for disputing the decision with the officials, he said: “I was not offensive.
“For me, it was clear it was not a penalty and unfortunately it cost us the title.”