Overview
- The FA announced on Wednesday that Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct for comments that allegedly implied bias or questioned a match official's integrity.
- The charge stems from his Sky Sports interview after Fulham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, a match played on 20 September where Matheus Cunha scored a deflected equaliser late on.
- Arbeloa specifically criticised a free kick given for a foul on Harry Maguire shortly before the goal and referenced a recent controversial VAR decision in the Manchester derby as context for his remarks.
- He has until Thursday 1 October to respond to the FA, and the governing body’s formal allegation opens the way to a disciplinary hearing or further sanctions if the charge is upheld.
- The disciplinary action increases pressure on Arbeloa, who took charge this summer, remains without a Premier League win and sees Fulham sitting near the bottom of the table with only two points.