Alvaro Arbeloa could face FA punishment after accusing match officials of favouring Manchester United during Fulham’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.
The Fulham manager was angered by a series of decisions during Sunday’s Premier League fixture, particularly a free-kick awarded to Harry Maguire shortly before Manchester United’s late equaliser.
Fulham had appeared set to claim their first league victory of the season, but Matheus Cunha’s deflected effort in the 89th minute rescued a point for United.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arbeloa said: “There were so many things for them, you can see it in the foul by Maguire. Every decision was for them.”
He also linked his frustration to the previous weekend’s controversial Manchester derby, claiming: “And I knew after the game against Manchester City that they don’t like Manchester United to lose.”
Why Alvaro Arbeloa could face FA scrutiny
Arbeloa’s comments appear to question the impartiality of the officials, an area covered by the Football Association’s rules on misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
Rule E3.1 prohibits managers from implying referee bias during media duties. The Spaniard’s suggestion that the previous Manchester derby controversy influenced decisions in the Fulham match could therefore attract formal scrutiny.
The FA has the power to issue fines and touchline bans in cases involving allegations of systemic favouritism. However, the raw material does not indicate that Arbeloa has yet been charged.
The incident that most clearly prompted his criticism came near halfway when Cesar Palacios was penalised for a challenge on Maguire. The free-kick was awarded 35 seconds before Cunha’s shot eventually found the net via a deflection.
Arbeloa believed Fulham had been on the wrong end of too many decisions throughout the match and felt his team deserved more after leading until the closing stages.
Manchester derby controversy referenced by Fulham boss
The manager’s remarks referred to the previous weekend’s Manchester derby, in which Manchester United were denied a result against Manchester City after Erling Haaland’s late goal was initially awarded despite an offside decision involving Enzo Fernandez.
Reports stated that the officiating controversy led to an apology to United. Arbeloa’s belief that it affected the treatment of Manchester United at Craven Cottage remains an allegation rather than an established fact.
The draw gave Fulham a second Premier League point of the season, while Arbeloa remains without a league win since taking charge.
