Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after claiming officials would “not let Manchester United lose” following his side’s 1-1 draw with United.
Arbeloa made the comments after Michael Carrick’s team secured a point at Craven Cottage on 20 September, when Matheus Cunha’s 89th-minute deflected effort rescued United from defeat.
The former Real Madrid defender and coach criticised the refereeing during a post-match television interview, saying the referee had awarded “all fouls” to United. He then referred to the previous weekend’s Manchester derby, saying: “I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here.”
The FA said its charge relates to comments that allegedly “imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official”. Arbeloa has until Thursday to respond to the charge.
Fulham had been on course for victory before Cunha’s late equaliser, which extended United’s run to just one win from their opening five Premier League matches. United’s only victory has come against Ipswich Town, while they have also lost to Hull and Manchester City and drawn with Everton.
Arbeloa, who was appointed Fulham manager in the summer, is still waiting for his first league win in charge. Fulham’s draw with United came after the controversial VAR decision in the Manchester derby that Arbeloa referenced in his comments.
