At Craven Cottage, where Fulham are still waiting for a first league win under Álvaro Arbeloa, the late equaliser against Manchester United has developed into a disciplinary issue. The Football Association has charged the Spanish coach with misconduct after remarks that suggested officials had favoured the visitors.
How the dispute developed
- Fulham and Manchester United drew 1-1 on 20 September. Michael Carrick’s United recovered a point in the 89th minute when Matheus Cunha scored from a rebound.
- In his television interview after the match, Arbeloa criticised the referee’s interpretation of fouls, arguing that every such decision had gone Manchester United’s way.
- The Fulham manager went further by referring to the recent Manchester derby and a disputed VAR decision. “After the match against Man City, I knew they would not allow Manchester United to lose here,” he said.
- The FA has now brought a misconduct charge, maintaining that Arbeloa’s comments improperly implied bias and questioned the integrity of the match officials.
- Arbeloa has until Thursday to submit his formal response to the charge.
A difficult opening in west London and Manchester
Arbeloa took charge of Fulham during the summer, but his side have yet to record a Premier League victory. The draw with Manchester United therefore brought another point without ending the wait for a first league success.
United’s own beginning to the campaign has been unsettled. Their only win from the opening five Premier League fixtures came against Ipswich Town.
- Manchester United lost to Hull in the opening round.
- They drew with Everton.
- They were beaten by Manchester City in the derby.
- They then shared the points with Fulham after Cunha’s late intervention.
