Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for comments made about the officials after his team's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. The charge relates to remarks in a post-match press conference and a Sky Sports interview following the Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage on September 20.
Arbeloa claimed "every decision was for them" and suggested officials would not let United lose after their controversial defeat to Manchester City the previous week. The FA alleges his statements implied bias and questioned the integrity of the match official. He has until Thursday to respond to the charge, which could lead to a sanction.
Late equaliser sparks controversy
The match itself saw Fulham take the lead through a Lisandro Martínez own goal in the 63rd minute. Manchester United equalised late when Matheus Cunha scored a deflected effort in the 89th minute, 35 seconds after referee Peter Bankes awarded a free-kick for a challenge by Cesar Palacios on Harry Maguire. Arbeloa later questioned the decision, asking about "the foul against Maguire, a guy that is 100 kilos?" United received no bookings in the game, while Fulham players were shown three yellow cards.
The result extended Fulham's winless start to the Premier League season, leaving them 19th in the standings with just two points from five matches. Their form reads DWDLL, with the draw against United coming after a 3-2 win at West Ham. The team's current position and points total, visible in the full stats, highlight the growing pressure on the manager.
Pressure builds for Arbeloa
In his press conference, Arbeloa attempted to move the focus away from the officials, referencing his English and urging calm. He said it would be better to concentrate on Fulham's performance, though he also pointedly noted the disparity in yellow cards. The FA has a history of sanctioning managers for post-match comments about referees; former Fulham boss Marco Silva received a one-match touchline ban and a £90,000 fine for a similar charge earlier this year.
With his team struggling near the foot of the table, Arbeloa's next challenge is a trip to face 11th-placed Ipswich Town on October 10, a key fixture as the club seeks its first league win. The disciplinary process will advance once he submits his response to the FA this week, adding another layer of difficulty as he prepares his squad for the upcoming match. The full schedule for the season, including this key trip to Portman Road, can be found in the club's fixtures.
More detail at Daily Mail Sport
