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Arbeloa hit with FA misconduct charge as Fulham eye Tomori and Leno draws Bayern interest

📅 October 2, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 5

FA charges Arbeloa over referee outburst

Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa is in serious hot water with English football's governing body. The Football Association formally charged him with misconduct on 30 September 2026 following explosive post-match comments he made after Fulham's 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United on 20 September at Craven Cottage. Arbeloa publicly questioned referee Michael Oliver and his team, insisting that every key decision went in the visitors' favour and claiming — in comments that went viral — that he had already anticipated officials would not allow United to lose, linking it to controversy from the Manchester derby the week before. The FA alleges the Spaniard's remarks implied bias and questioned the integrity of a match official, a charge Arbeloa was given until 1 October to respond to.

After the charge was announced, Arbeloa appeared to try to soften his stance, suggesting a language barrier may have caused him to express himself poorly in English. However, the FA's disciplinary process is now firmly in motion, and a fine or touchline ban could follow — a nightmare scenario for a manager who is already under pressure at Craven Cottage.

Rocky start to the 2026/27 season

The United draw epitomises Fulham's difficult opening to the new campaign. The Cottagers were seconds away from what would have been their first league win of the season when Matheus Cunha's heavily deflected strike in the 89th minute rescued a point for Manchester United. Fulham had taken the lead through a Lisandro Martinez own goal before being pegged back at the death. The result left Fulham without a single win from their first five Premier League matches — a concerning run for a club that had shown ambition by appointing the former Real Madrid boss in the summer. Arbeloa is now preparing his side for an away trip to Ipswich Town on 10 October, before a home game against Hull City on 17 October, as he searches desperately for that elusive first victory.

Injuries

Fulham were already dealing with unavailability heading into the Man United fixture. Midfielder Tom Cairney and right-back Kenny Tete were both absent for the Craven Cottage clash, and their fitness situations will be closely monitored during the international break ahead of the Ipswich game.

Transfer talk

Tomori (RUMOUR): According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Fulham tried to sign AC Milan and England defender Fikayo Tomori in the final days of last summer's transfer window, only for Milan to block the deal after suffering an injury to Mattia Gabbia. Now, with Tomori still yet to play a single minute this season and his contract expiring next summer, reports suggest Fulham have renewed hope of landing the 28-year-old in January. Milan are said to be open to an exit in the winter window.

Leno (RUMOUR): There is concern on the other side of the transfer equation too. German giants Bayern Munich have reportedly shortlisted Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno as a potential backup option, according to Bild. The 34-year-old is entering the final year of his contract — though Fulham hold an option to extend — and is said to be open to returning to his homeland. Bayern are sensing a deal could be straightforward to arrange, which will put Fulham on alert about potentially losing their first-choice keeper.

Josh King (RUMOUR): Liverpool have been linked with a move for Fulham youngster Josh King as they search for attacking midfield reinforcements. The teenager has caught the eye and is reportedly on the Reds' list of targets heading into the January window.

de Fougerolles loan (CONFIRMED): Canadian centre-back Luc de Fougerolles has reportedly joined MLS side Real Salt Lake on loan from Fulham, per reports surfacing on 2 October 2026.

Sources

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