FA fines Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa over referee comments

The English Football Association has fined Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa £25,000 and issued him a warning over comments he made after his team’s match against Manchester United on Sunday, September 20.

Manchester United equalized in the 89th minute at Craven Cottage, prompting Arbeloa to question referee Michael Oliver’s decisions. The Spanish coach suggested that all the calls favored United and said he expected a tough match after United’s previous game against Manchester City.

Arbeloa added that his side deserved a better result, describing Fulham as unlucky during the encounter. He noted that his team came close to victory, but circumstances did not favor them against a club of Manchester United’s stature.

Attempts to reduce the penalty

Fulham sought to have the penalty reduced, arguing that Arbeloa did not repeat or confirm his statements during the post-match press conference, and highlighting that he is new to the Premier League and not a native English speaker.

Pressure mounts on Arbeloa and Fulham

Arbeloa is under increasing pressure as Fulham sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, having failed to win any of their first six matches this season.