Fulham Manager Alvaro Arbeloa Fined Over Manchester United Referee Remarks
· Sports · Al Jazeera, Sportstar
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been fined $33,163 and given a formal warning by the English Football Association following post-match comments he made in September. The sanction stems from Fulham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Craven Cottage on September 20, where a deflected equaliser by Matheus Cunha arrived in the 89th minute. Speaking after the fixture, Arbeloa claimed that officials would not allow Manchester United to lose, referencing a previous controversial match against Manchester City. The 43-year-old Spanish coach admitted to the charge of acting in an improper manner that questioned the integrity of match officials. Arbeloa took charge of the London club in July and remains in search of his first league win, with Fulham currently sitting at the bottom of the standings with two points from six matches.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the strict disciplinary boundaries football authorities enforce regarding public comments on referee impartiality. The financial penalty and warning add immediate pressure to a struggling Fulham side currently sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
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