- However, the referee had already stopped play, ruling that the ball was still moving when the goal kick was taken
- The Premier League side suffered a shock 1–0 loss to Championship club Southampton F.C. at Craven Cottage on Sunday,
- Bassey and Chukwueze will have to wait longer for their first triumph in England’s historic knockout tournament
Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze will not be lifting the FA Cup this season after Fulham F.C. were eliminated from the competition.
The Premier League side suffered a shock 1–0 loss to Championship club Southampton F.C. at Craven Cottage on Sunday, ending their campaign in the Round of 16, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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Iwobi has previously won the FA Cup during his time with Arsenal F.C. in 2017. However, Bassey and Chukwueze will have to wait longer for their first triumph in England’s historic knockout tournament.
The defeat also extended Fulham’s long wait for FA Cup success. The London club has never claimed the trophy and last reached the final in 1975, when they finished runners-up.
Last season, Fulham progressed to the quarter-finals but were knocked out after a 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace F.C.. This year, their journey ended earlier following the narrow loss to Southampton.
The match itself was filled with controversial moments involving referee Jarred Gillett. Fulham believed they had taken the lead in the first half after Rodrigo Muniz put the ball into the net following a chaotic sequence involving Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
However, the referee had already stopped play, ruling that the ball was still moving when the goal kick was taken.
Because the whistle had been blown before the ball crossed the line, VAR could not intervene despite replays suggesting the ball had come to a stop.
Another disputed moment occurred in the second half when play was halted for a foul just as Southampton striker Cyle Larin broke through on goal.
Replays later indicated he was onside and had a clear scoring opportunity before the attack was stopped.
Southampton eventually secured the winning goal late in the match. Midfielder Finn Azaz had earlier hit the crossbar before winning a penalty after going down in the box under pressure from Fulham defender Joachim Andersen.
Ross Stewart converted the spot kick in stoppage time to seal Southampton’s place in the quarter-finals.
After the match, Fulham manager Marco Silva admitted the result was deeply disappointing for the club and its supporters, noting that expectations had been high going into the game.
With their FA Cup hopes now over, Fulham will shift their attention back to the Premier League, where they currently sit mid-table with several matches remaining in the season.
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