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Claudio Ranieri says Fulham 'scared' after West Ham's controversial goal in loss

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Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri says they will never give up and it's important for them to stay together following a 3-1 defeat at West Ham

Claudio Ranieri believes his Fulham side were "scared" as they collapsed following Javier Hernandez's controversial equaliser to lose 3-1 at West Ham on Friday night.

Ryan Babel's first goal for Fulham gave the visitors an early lead, until Hernandez appeared to divert the ball into the net with his hand in the 29th minute, with referee Lee Mason allowing the goal to stand.

Issa Diop's header turned the match on its head in the 40th minute, before Michail Antonio made sure of the win for the hosts in stoppage time, much to Ranieri's frustration.

"We started very well," Ranieri told Sky Sports. "We missed a great chance, but after we score a goal.

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Highlights from West Ham's 3-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League

"They were very dangerous on corners, it is normal with their tall players, and the referee was under cover with the players and could not see it was handball from Chicharito [Hernandez]. After that, West Ham increased [the tempo], more and moved the ball very quickly.

"I don't know if we were a little scared. Why? We started very well, we should have continued to play.

"The second half was much better, we controlled the ball, but without doing something good. I tried to add more physical [presence] in the middle."

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Following defeat at West Ham, Ryan Babel says that despite fast starts, cheap goals are breaking Fulham's spirit in games

Fulham are eight points from safety, having already conceded 60 goals in the Premier League this season, but Ranieri remains defiant.

"We are always speaking about keeping our concentration and to be determined, but also need some luck, as it is unbelievable what has happened this year," Ranieri added.

"We will never give up, we will concentrate for the next match, and it is important to recover very soon - physically and psychologically."

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