Fulham boss Arbeloa charged by FA over referee bias comments after Man Utd draw
Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association over remarks that questioned the impartiality of match officials after his side’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United.
The FA said the allegation concerns comments that suggested bias and cast doubt on an official’s integrity. Arbeloa must submit his response by Thursday.
The Spaniard’s criticism followed United’s late escape at Craven Cottage on September 20. Fulham led from the 63rd minute after Lisandro Martinez put through his own net, but Matheus Cunha’s deflected effort in the 89th minute earned Michael Carrick’s team a point.
Arbeloa’s post-match comments under scrutiny
Arbeloa was angered by the refereeing during the contest and said United had received every foul decision. He also referred to earlier controversy around United, including a disputed VAR call in the Manchester derby.
The Fulham boss indicated he believed United would not be allowed to lose at Craven Cottage after what had happened in the City game. Those remarks form the basis of the FA case.
The charge increases pressure on Arbeloa after a difficult opening period since taking over in the summer. Fulham are 19th with two points from five matches, having drawn with Liverpool and United and lost to Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Chelsea.
What happens next
Fulham return from the international break with a trip to Ipswich Town on October 10 before hosting Hull City seven days later. Arbeloa is still chasing his first league win in charge.
United have also made an uneven start under Carrick. Their only victory in five league fixtures came against promoted Ipswich, alongside defeats to Hull and Manchester City and a draw against Everton.
