Fulham advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Wycombe Wanderers
However, the tie ended in controversy after an assistant referee was struck by a missile thrown from the crowd.
The Championship side triumphed at Adams Park following a tense 1-1 draw, yet post-match celebrations were overshadowed by the club confirming an official was hit by an object launched from the stands.
Fulham survive Wycombe scare to progress
The match began perfectly for Wycombe, who stunned Fulham with an early goal from Cauley Woodrow after just 4 minutes. The former Fulham striker powered home from 20 yards to give the League One side an unexpected lead and ignite the home support.
Stay for the reverse angle 🤯 Fulham’s Josh King scored his first senior goal in some style, with an audacious backheel to bring the Cottagers level against Wycombe 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U29DZlHb05
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 28, 2025
Marco Silva’s men gradually gained control and levelled the score three minutes after the restart. Josh King, making his first senior start for the club, flicked home a corner from Kevin Mbabu to make it 1-1.
Fulham dominated thereafter, registering 5 shots on target, but could not find a winner inside 90 minutes.
In the shootout, both sides missed twice before Issa Diop converted the decisive penalty in sudden death. Goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte proved the hero, saving 3 Wycombe efforts to send the Cottagers through and end their 4-game losing run in all competitions.
Post-match incident sparks investigation
The result was quickly overshadowed by events after the final whistle. Wycombe Wanderers released a statement confirming an assistant referee had been struck by an object thrown from the terrace as players and officials left the pitch.
“Wycombe Wanderers are disappointed to report that a missile was thrown from the terrace, striking an assistant referee, following the conclusion of tonight’s Carabao Cup tie,” the statement read. “The club strongly condemns this behaviour and is working to identify the individual responsible.”
Unreal Wycombe performance that tonight, taking a near full strength Fulham side all the way to pens.
Proud of you mate @lukeleahy 🙌💙 pic.twitter.com/7pOhoq3Tbf
— Luke Cheyne (@_LukeCheyne) October 28, 2025
The assistant referee was not seriously injured, but the incident has prompted an internal investigation and possible disciplinary action. Marco Silva later praised his side’s professionalism, while expressing disappointment that the evening ended under such circumstances.
“We know surprises can happen in this competition if your approach isn’t right,” said Silva. “We didn’t start well, but we showed belief and created enough chances to win before penalties. The players deserve credit for their response.”
The victory marks only the sixth time Fulham have reached the last 8 of the competition in their history, and their first since 2004.
For Wycombe, the focus will now turn to identifying the supporter responsible for the post-match incident and ensuring swift action is taken before returning to League One duties at the weekend.
