Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following his post-match comments after a 1-1 Premier League draw against Manchester United at Craven Cottage.
The 43-year-old manager suggested that match officials were biased towards Manchester United during the fixture on Sunday, September 20, and questioned the integrity of referee Peter Bankes.
According to an FA statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Arbeloa acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that implied bias or questioned the integrity of a match official. Arbeloa has until Thursday to respond to the charge.
Contentious refereeing decisions
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arbeloa expressed anger over the officiating, stating that "every decision was for them" and claiming that "after the game against Man City they [won't] let Manchester United lose here."
Arbeloa was referring to decisions in the Manchester derby the previous weekend, when Manchester United lost to a goal by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland that officials later conceded should have been ruled out for offside.
The Fulham manager focused specifically on a late free-kick awarded by 44-year-old referee Peter Bankes for a foul on Harry Maguire. The resulting set-piece led to Matheus Cunha's deflected equaliser, denying Fulham victory after dropping two points late in the game.
Arbeloa questioned the contact on the Manchester United defender, saying, "the foul against Maguire, a guy that is 100 kilos?" Fulham also received three yellow cards during the match, while Manchester United received no bookings despite several contentious challenges. Arbeloa maintained that his team deserved more from the game.
FA disciplinary process and background
The Football Association is the governing body of English football, responsible for overseeing regulations and match conduct across domestic competitions, including the Premier League. Under FA disciplinary rules, managers charged with misconduct for comments about match officials face potential fines or touchline bans if the charge is proven.
Arbeloa, a former Spain international right-back who won the UEFA Champions League twice during his playing career with Real Madrid, took charge at Fulham to manage in England's top flight. Fulham, based in West London, play their home fixtures at Craven Cottage along the River Thames.
Manchester United, one of the most prominent clubs in English football history, play their home matches at Old Trafford. Their late equaliser at Craven Cottage secured a point following their controversial derby defeat to Manchester City the previous week.
Arbeloa now has until Thursday to formally respond to the FA misconduct charge, which could lead to further disciplinary proceedings depending on whether he admits or denies the allegation.
