Álvaro Arbeloa fined over post-match comments following Manchester United draw

Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa has been fined £25,000 and handed an official warning by the Football Association following comments made after September's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, in which he implied refereeing bias in favour of the opposition.

In the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on 20 September, the visitors salvaged a point in the 89th minute courtesy of a deflected Matheus Cunha equaliser. Speaking directly after the final whistle, the Spanish tactician said: "I knew after the Manchester City game that they wouldn't let Manchester United lose here."

The former Real Madrid coach was referencing United's earlier fixture, in which Erling Haaland secured a 1-0 win for ten-man Manchester City at Old Trafford. That goal was initially ruled out for offside before being awarded following a lengthy and contentious VAR review. Referees' body Pro Ref subsequently issued a statement acknowledging that the goal should have been disallowed and apologised to Manchester United.

The FA stated that the Fulham boss acted improperly by questioning the integrity and impartiality of the match officials during his post-match interview. Arbeloa accepted the charge.

The 43-year-old Spaniard took charge of Fulham in July but is still searching for his first Premier League victory. The Cottagers currently sit bottom of the table, having collected just two points from their opening six fixtures.