Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been handed a £25,000 fine by the Football Association following controversial remarks made after his team’s Premier League clash with Manchester United. The Spaniard’s comments suggested that match officials would “not let Manchester United lose,” drawing the FA’s strong reprimand.
The incident occurred after Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Craven Cottage in September. The match saw Matheus Cunha score a late equalizer for United in the 89th minute, a goal that sparked Arbeloa’s critical post-match interview.
FA Issues Fine and Warning for Arbeloa
Having admitted to the charge, Arbeloa was not only fined but also received an official warning from the FA. The governing body stated that Arbeloa “acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official.” These remarks were deemed to undermine the impartiality expected in officiating Premier League matches.
Meanwhile, Fulham continue to struggle in the current campaign, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with only two points from their first six games. The club’s difficult start adds pressure to Arbeloa as he attempts to steer the team away from relegation danger.