ALVARO ARBELOA HIT WITH £25K FA FINE AFTER SAYING REFEREE WOULD 'NOT LET MANCHESTER UNITED LOSE'

Arbeloa made the comments about match officials following Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last month

Alvaro Arbeloa hit with £25k FA fine for Man United comments
Alvaro Arbeloa has been fined (Bradley Collyer/PA)

PA Wire

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has received a £25,000 FA fine and a warning on Wednesday for post-match comments questioning the integrity of the referee following last month’s Premier League match against Manchester United.

Arbeloa accepted a charge that he had "acted in an improper manner" through remarks made after the 1-1 draw between the sides at Craven Cottage on 20 September.

"I think all fouls for them," the Spaniard stated following the match, in reference to United, who had lost to Manchester City the previous weekend due to a contentious goal.

"Every decision was for them," Arbeloa added, "and I knew, I knew after the game against Man City that they don’t let Manchester United lose here."

Written reasons published on Wednesday showed the independent commission investigating the incident "felt that those words suggested, not only that there was bias on the part of the match officials throughout the game on repeated occasions, but also that there may even have been an element of pre-meditation by them and/or others to try to make up for an error in a different match."

Arbeloa is currently in his first season at Fulham having left Real Madrid over the summer.

Fulham are currently bottom of the table after taking just two points from their opening six games. One of those draws came against United, while they also earned a point away at Liverpool. They have been beaten by Chelsea, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.

Arbeloa’s side are due to return to action when they host newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday at Craven Cottage. They will then face another promoted club, Coventry City, seven days later before playing Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup for a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Fulham’s final match in October will be a trip to Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have failed to bounce back after last month’s draw at Fulham. Since returning from the international break, Michael Carrick’s side have been held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Tottenham, and they were then beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

- Sam Brookes

FULHAM BOSS ALVARO ARBELOA CHARGED BY FA AFTER CLAIMING OFFICIALS 'WOULD NOT LET MANCHESTER UNITED LOSE'

Arbeloa made the comments after Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United earlier this month

Arbeloa has been charged by the FA (Getty)

The Football Association has charged Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa with misconduct following his claims that officials “would not let Manchester United lose" during their Premier League draw at Craven Cottage.

Michael Carrick’s side were fortunate to leave with a point after Matheus Cunha’s 89th-minute deflected goal rescued a 1-1 draw on 20 September.

Speaking during a post-match TV interview, Arbeloa stated the referee had given "all fouls" to the opposition and added: "I knew after the game against Man City that they (would not) let Manchester United lose here," referencing a controversial VAR decision from the Manchester derby the previous weekend.

The FA alleges the manager "acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official".

Arbeloa, who assumed control at Fulham in the summer but is yet to win a league match, has until Thursday to respond.

Fulham had gone ahead against United early in the second half thanks to a Lisandro Martinez own goal and looked on course for victory before Cunha’s late strike.

Former United player and Sky Sports commentator slammed his old team’s performance, claiming they played the “worst 15 minutes of football” he can remember seeing since watching the team from the age of five.

After the game, Neville explained his reasoning adding: “I was purely referring to the fact that they walked around the pitch. I’ve never seen a Manchester United team walk, out of possession, as much as that.

“Michael [Carrick] said he was happy with the team’s energy, Michael’s got to stop defending them. I get why he’s defending them, he’s loyal and wants his players to work for him. Both teams were the same, I called them mannequins. I’ve never seen a Manchester United team, for 15 minutes, walk around out of possession as much as that. No alertness, no liveliness, no sort of on your toes. Just walking when Fulham were in possession.

“There needs to be a rebalance,” Neville continued, “I wish he [Carrick] could play those attacking players but they’re going to kill him defensively.”

- Sam Brookes

BENFICA CONFIRM €15M JOSÉ MOURINHO SWITCH TO REAL MADRID

Real Madrid will have Jose Mourinho as their new manager, barring a shock U-turn. The Portuguese manager is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu 13 years after leaving the club, as he again seeks to intervene against a Barcelona that is coming off successive title wins.

For some time, Mourinho has been slated to take over from Alvaro Arbeloa, when it was first reported in late April that President Florentino Perez was pushing for his return. The matter has been delayed by Perez’s decision to call elections, but Perez has continued to make moves despite being midway through elections. On Wednesday night, his campaign channel confirmed Mourinho would be his new manager.

Benfica confirm Real Madrid will pay Mourinho release clause

Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Had Perez decided to move for Mourinho before the 26th of May, he could have signed him for just €3m, yet his release clause has risen since to €15m. As Benfica are on the stock market, they are forced to declare their moves publicly, and have thus announced that Real Madrid have activated Mourinho’s clause. He is to join Los Blancos on a three-year deal.

What happens if Enrique Riquelme wins the elections?

It is expected that Perez will emerge victorious in the elections on Sunday, after which Mourinho will be appointed as the new manager. Yet presidential rival Enrique Riquelme has declared that he is not in favour of having Mourinho as manager, and has another option lined up. It has not been revealed whether that is the case, but it would be no surprise if Mourinho’s contract included a get-out clause in case Perez loses the elections. Were that not to be the case, it would certainly be an uncomfortable.

- Ruairidh Barlow

'FANTASTIC COACH': SPAIN MANAGER WELCOMES JOSE MOURINHO'S IMMINENT RETURN TO REAL MADRID

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

While the upcoming presidential elections might have slowed things down, it appears only a matter of time that Real Madrid announce the appointment of Jose Mourinho as the new manager.

With Alvaro Arbeloa having left, Los Blancos have already secured an agreement with the Portuguese tactician to take over.

However, the elections, where Florentino Perez is facing competition from Enrique Riquelme, has led to a brief pause on any movement.

Mourinho’s return is imminent. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Spain manager welcomes Mourinho return

In the unlikely event of Riquelme winning the elections, things could end up changing, but as things stand, Perez is expected to return as president and go ahead with Mourinho’s appointment as manager.

And, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has shared his opinion about the Portuguese’s imminent return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I have a lot of respect for what clubs do. I don’t know the inner workings of a club like 

Real Madrid or others,” De la Fuente told RTVE (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“I have total and absolute respect for the decisions clubs make. He’s a fantastic coach with a very important history at Real Madrid. I think the idea is excellent,” the Spain manager further stated.

Mourinho has already made demands

As reported earlier today, Mourinho has already made several demands with the Real Madrid board ahead of his impending return.

The former Real Madrid boss is seeking full control of transfers ahead of his second stint with the club and has identified four key areas of the squad that need to be strengthened – centre-back, full-back, central midfield, and playmaker.

- Raghavendra Goudar

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ EXPLOSIVE COMMENTS BRING REAL MADRID INTO THE OPEN

The forward had his say on recent controversies after the win over Oviedo.

Kylian Mbappé came off the bench in the second half of Thursday’s victory. | Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images

Kylian Mbappé told reporters that he is “the fourth-choice striker” at Real Madrid, in the aftermath of Thursday night’s 2–0 victory over Real Oviedo, adding to the off-field drama surrounding the club.

Madrid made light work of La Liga’s bottom club, sealing the win with goals from Gonzalo García and Jude Bellingham. However, it was still a tough night at the Bernabéu, as several stars faced jeers from the crowd in their first outing since the Clásico defeat that confirmed Barcelona’s title.

Mbappé started the match on the bench, having missed the two previous matches, including El Clásico, with a hamstring issue. The French superstar entered the pitch midway through the second half, but was greeted with a chorus of boos from the home support and was regularly whistled throughout the rest of the game.

The reaction comes as little surprise, given that millions people have signed a petition calling for Mbappé’s Real Madrid exit, amid a season mired in disappointed and controversy.

The striker, who was included as captain in France’s 26-man World Cup roster announced on Thursday, bagged the assist for Bellingham’s goal on 80 minutes, but couldn’t add to his league-leading tally of 24 this season.

Mbappé did, however, ensure he stole the headlines after the match.

Mbappé’s Candid Mixed Zone Appearance

🗣️ Mbappé sobre su suplencia frente al Real Oviedo: "Estoy muy bien. Hoy no he sido titular porque Arbeloa me ha dicho que soy el cuarto delantero de la plantilla".

#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/RBousiSOMQ

— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) May 14, 2026

When asked about his fitness after the match, Mbappé insisted he had been ready to start but was bumped down the pecking order by Álvaro Arbeloa.

“I’m 100% fine” he said. “I haven’t played because the manager told me I’m the fourth-choice striker in the squad behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo. I was ready to start, it’s his decision and you always have to respect it. I’m not angry.”

The comments raised eyebrows, as the club’s highest-paid player continued to double down, speaking apparently without filter as he addressed his and Madrid’s situation, telling reporters in the mixed zone: “I prefer to speak here, with my own mouth. That way it’s clearer. My only responsibility is to play well and give everything for the badge.”

Asked what it’s like to be “fourth-choice,” Mbappé replied: “Ask the manager. What do you want me to say?

“I was ready to start, but it’s his decision. I can’t be angry with the manager. You always have to respect a manager’s opinion. I'll just work hard in training and matches, hoping to become a starter.”

In comments that appeared to be a direct slight on Arbeloa, Mbappé assessed Madrid’s disappointing season by saying: “We started the season well, in La Liga, in the Champions League ... but we lost it in the second half [of the campaign]. And it hurts a lot, because I feel we had a clear playing style and we let it slip away.”

Meanwhile, on the two managers he has played under this season, he said: “I have a great relationship with Xabi [Alonso], he’s going to be a great coach. But that’s in the past and we have to look ahead.

“I have no problem with Arbeloa. You have to respect him. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy, and I have to do my best to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono.”

When asked if he had been hurt by the manager’s recent comments, Mbappé joked: “I have French TV, I don't have Spanish TV at home. So I don’t know what he said!”

Arbeloa Insists ‘I Decide the Team’

Álvaro Arbeloa addressed Mbappé’s explosive claims in his post-match press conference. | Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Getty Images

In his post-match press conference, Arbeloa initially disputed Mbappé’s claims.

“He must not have understood correctly,” the Madrid boss insisted. “I don’t know what to tell you, I didn’t tell him he’s the fourth-choice striker.”

However, when pressed on the matter, Arbeloa hit back insisting he is the one responsible for team selection and the players need to live with it.

“If I don’t play him, he can’t play,” Arbeloa said. “I decide; I’m the coach. I spoke with him earlier, and I don’t know how he might have interpreted it. He shouldn’t have started today because it’s not a matter of life or death. We have a match on Sunday, and he’ll definitely be the starting striker.

“Seven days later, he’ll have earned his place as the starting striker. I decide who plays. I understand that whoever isn’t playing isn’t happy. I can understand that he’s not happy, but it’s a decision based on the circumstances. I didn’t want to take any risks. It was the most logical, common-sense thing to do.

“I said that a player who couldn’t even make the bench four days ago should come on in the second half. He’ll start on Sunday. Gonzalo deserved to play today. I understand that those who don’t start aren’t happy. But as long as I’m in this position, I’m going to make the decisions. If they like it, fine. If not, they can wait until next time.”

When asked about Mbappe’s comments that Madrid have fallen off in the second half of the season, Arbeloa snapped back at his No. 9.

“I’d be happy if he thinks that. He’s probably scored many more goals in the first half of the season than in the second,” Arbeloa concluded.

- Andrew Headspeath

ALVARO ARBELOA FUMES AT REAL MADRID PLAYER AFTER GETAFE LOSS - 'IT’S UNACCEPTABLE'

Alvaro Arbeloa fumes at Real Madrid player after Getafe loss – ‘It’s unacceptable’

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa defended his side’s performance against Getafe after their 1-0 defeat on Monday night, and while he admitted that his side can play better, felt they had done enough to win the game. On the other hand, he also had some stinging words for Franco Mastantuono.

The defeat means that the gap to Barcelona at the summit of La Liga remains at four points, a gap that in theory Los Blancos could overhaul. Yet many Madridistas were left wondering whether overhauling their most bitter rivals was possible given the way their side is playing. Arbeloa was clear that the title was still in play.

“No, now we have no other objective than to win the 36 points that remain at stake. This is Real Madrid and nobody gives up here. It’s a gap that we think we can close.”

Arbeloa: ‘We had clearer chances than Getafe’

Despite the feeling that Getafe had carried out their gameplan to perfection, as Jose Bordalas noted, Arbeloa believed his side had done enough for the three points.

“We had clearer chances than Getafe. We had Vinicius’s chance, Rudiger’s chance, Rodrygo’s chance… We knew the kind of game we were going to play. Nothing happened that we didn’t know was going to happen, and that’s how I see the game.”

“Saying that ‘it’s impossible for us to play well, that’s putting words in my mouth that I have not said. It’s true that we had chances to score; it’s also true that we can play better. I can’t fault my players for their effort. The responsibility for improving our play is mine. If anyone is responsible for the defeat, it’s me.”

Arbeloa also had criticism for the officiating, despite Antonio Rudiger escaping a red card.

Image via Sport / Europa Press

“Today we struggled against an opponent that defended very well. We needed to be more aggressive in certain situations. We always tend to rely on Vinicius for the easy option, but we need to be a constant threat on both flanks. There were also many interruptions. The referee allowed a game where the focus was on not playing. But I have no criticism of Getafe because they do what they’re allowed to do.”

Arbeloa angry with Mastanuono for sending off

Late on, Mastantuono was sent off for dissent, meaning he will be absent for Real Madrid’s trip to face Celta Vigo on Friday. Bookings for Alvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen will also keep them out of the trip, but Arbeloa felt Mastantuono’s was avoidable.

“It’s unacceptable. The Mastantuono thing cannot happen. Huijsen and Carreras’ yellow cards are part of the game. But we’re going to have three very important players out in Vigo.”

Arguments for improvement

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Arbeloa had the following reasons for optimism.

“We have great players, others who are going to recover, and we have that objective of continuing to improve and that we can do better. I understand the criticism and the perspective that exists, but we played a good enough game to beat Getafe. We didn’t know how to take advantage of the chances we had.”

Los Blancos face Celta Vigo at 21:00 CEST at Balaidos this Friday, with a second chance to reduce the gap to Barcelona to one point, ahead of the Catalans facing Athletic Club. Following that, Real Madrid will take on Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16.

- Ruairidh Barlow