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Arbeloa Hit With FA Charge as Fulham Sit 19th With Int'l Break Looming

📅 October 5, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 6

Manager in Hot Water With the FA

It has been a turbulent week for Fulham boss Álvaro Arbeloa. The Football Association officially charged the Spanish manager with misconduct after he made explosive post-match comments following Fulham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United on 20 September. Arbeloa publicly suggested that match officials were unwilling to let the Red Devils lose, pointing to a controversial free-kick awarded to United just before Matheus Cunha curled in a heavily deflected 89th-minute equaliser to snatch a point from Craven Cottage. The FA stated that Arbeloa's remarks implied bias and questioned the integrity of a match official. In a later press conference, the Spaniard tried to soften his stance, acknowledging he may not have expressed himself perfectly in English, and said he preferred to focus on improving his team's form rather than talking about referees. He was given until 1 October to submit a formal response to the charge.

Tough Start to the Season

The disciplinary drama only adds to the mounting pressure on Arbeloa, who arrived at Craven Cottage in the summer but has yet to win a Premier League match. Fulham have drawn two and lost three of their opening five league games, leaving them in 19th place with just two points. The international break gives the squad time to regroup before a crucial away trip to Ipswich Town on Saturday 10 October. On a positive note during the break, Fulham summer signing Shea Charles scored a memorable winner for Northern Ireland, providing a welcome boost of confidence for the 22-year-old midfielder.

Women's Team Setback

On the women's side, Fulham FC Women suffered a narrow 1-2 home defeat to Exeter City on 4 October in the FA Women's National League. It was a closely contested affair but the Cottagers were unable to hold on, dropping points they will be eager to reclaim in their next outing.

Transfer Talk

(Rumour) The biggest name circulating around Fulham is left-back Antonee Robinson. Multiple reports — including from talkSPORT, The Telegraph, The Guardian, and Football Insider — link the 28-year-old USA international with a move away from Craven Cottage. Manchester United have been most frequently mentioned as admirers, with United manager Michael Carrick reportedly keen to strengthen at left-back. Liverpool have also previously been credited with interest, though those links appear older. Robinson is currently contracted at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2028, meaning any suitor would need to meet a significant asking price. Nothing has been confirmed and this remains firmly in rumour territory. Fulham will be hoping to tie down one of their key players rather than lose him to a rival.

Sources

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