FULHAM MANAGER ACCUSES REFEREE OF FAVOURING MANCHESTER UNITED

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has accused Premier League match officials of favouring Manchester United, saying every contested decision went United's way during their 1-1 draw on Sunday. Arbeloa named referee Peter Bankes and said officials do not want Manchester United to lose matches. Manchester United equalised late in the game, avoiding what would otherwise have been defeat. Fulham had appeared on course for a win before United's stoppage-time leveller changed the outcome. Arbeloa made his comments after the final whistle.

Manchester United's display also drew separate criticism from Gary Neville, a former United defender, who called the performance "absolutely pathetic" and said the closing period of the match was among the worst he had seen. Neville said Michael Carrick should stop defending the team's players over their performances. One assessment of the result placed responsibility for Manchester United's difficulties this season on Sir Jim Ratcliffe rather than Carrick. The draw extends a run of results that have brought scrutiny of Manchester United's form. Arbeloa's claim about refereeing decisions adds a further point of contention to the match.

Arbeloa's accusation reflects a pattern of frustration some Premier League managers have voiced this season over refereeing decisions involving Manchester United. His comments centred specifically on Sunday's fixture, in which he said officiating favoured United throughout. The result leaves Fulham without the win Arbeloa believes his side earned, while Manchester United's below-par display continues to be scrutinised by pundits including Neville. Manchester United's ownership and management remain under scrutiny following the club's recent results, according to the same reporting. Neither Manchester United nor the Premier League has been reported as responding to Arbeloa's remarks.