# Fulham FC internal unrest and poor performance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fulham-fc-internal-unrest-and-poor-performance
> Updated: 2026-09-11T10:20:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Fulham FC is experiencing significant instability following a poor start to the Premier League season. Following a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, manager Álvaro Arbeloa publicly criticized his players for a lack of effort and technical quality, stating, “Ni siquiera luchamos, no corrimos; hubo un nivel técnico deficiente.”

This criticism has coincided with reports of internal unrest within the squad. Following a 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, where midfielder Alex Iwobi was substituted to jeers from supporters, tensions escalated via social media. Both Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe removed all references to Fulham from their Instagram profiles, while Brazilian winger Kevin posted an Instagram story stating, “No speak, no hear, no see,” after remaining an unused substitute.

Addressing the speculation ahead of a match against Liverpool, Arbeloa dismissed rumors of a dressing room rift. He insisted the squad has maintained a positive attitude in training, stating, “I can see how hard they are working. I feel I have a very good group with a very good attitude.” He noted that while players may feel unhappy when not playing, he continues to value their work ethic during practice sessions.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Alvaro Arbeloa denies Fulham squad rift amid player social media activity

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has denied reports of a squad rift after players Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Kevin posted cryptic messages on social media following a recent defeat.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alvaro-arbeloa-denies-fulham-squad-rift-amid-player-social-media-activity

### 2026-09-07: Fulham FC faces internal unrest following poor season start

Fulham faces internal unrest and manager Alvaro Arbeloa's scrutiny following three consecutive Premier League defeats and cryptic social media activity from several players.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulham-fc-faces-internal-unrest-following-poor-season-start

### 2026-08-31: Álvaro Arbeloa criticizes Fulham attitude after Sunderland defeat

Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa criticized his team's lack of attitude and technical quality following a 1-0 Premier League defeat against Sunderland.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lvaro-arbeloa-criticizes-fulham-attitude-after-sunderland-defeat

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Cite as: Fulham FC internal unrest and poor performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fulham-fc-internal-unrest-and-poor-performance