Jokanovic is angry as Fulham are out of luck

Under-pressure Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes he, his players and fans were disrespected by the decision to disallow Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goal in yesterday’s 2-0 Premier League to Liverpool defeat at Anfield.

In a pivotal 14 seconds, the Serbia international’s header was chalked off due to a marginal offside decision and Liverpool went straight down the other end to take the lead through Mohamed Salah.

Television replays suggested Maxime Le Marchand was the most advanced man, but he made no attempt to challenge for Andre Schurrle’s cross while Mitrovic may have been played onside by the Reds’ defender Andy Robertson.

To compound Fulham’s grievance, Alisson’s free-kick appeared to be still rolling when the Liverpool goalkeeper launched the counter-attack for Salah’s goal.

Xherdan Shaqiri made sure of the points just after the break but it was the opening goal which proved to be crucial. “In this country, normally you cannot show disrespect to the referee and this is a problem because it has shown disrespect to my team, myself and Fulham supporters,” said Jokanovic, who is under scrutiny after seven successive defeats left the Cottagers bottom of the table.

“When I check the clips now, it’s Robertson who hasn’t done a good enough job to squeeze up and my player is onside and scored the goal.

“If the ball is rolling or not rolling after, it’s probably yes, and in one moment, a crucial moment, instead of 1-0 up we’re 1-0 down.

“We can talk about this situation for hours, but the damage is done.

“It’s a completely absurd situation to defend. Yes, they catch us on the counter, yes, Salah is really fast and finished well, but we are frustrated, disappointed”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp felt his side deserved their victory.

“I don’t want to compare it but we scored a clearer goal against Arsenal which we didn’t get,” said the Reds’ boss. “We cannot change it, Fulham cannot change it.

“Apart from scoring more goals it was a really good performance. Fulham always have the quality to cause problems. We had to work hard.”