Fulham's pre-season friendly match against Malaga on Wednesday night concluded with significant controversy, including the dismissal of new manager Alvaro Arbeloa and the team's refusal to participate in a post-match penalty shootout.
The match, held at La Rosaleda, ended in a 2-2 draw after Malaga was awarded a penalty in the 90th minute for a handball by Fulham's Calvin Bassey, which was converted by Eneko Jauregi.
Following the full-time whistle, Malaga's players prepared for a penalty shootout to decide the winner of the Costa del Sol Trophy. However, Fulham's squad had already departed the pitch and headed for the tunnel, prompting boos from the home crowd.
In a bizarre turn of events, a Malaga player, Jauregi, then took a penalty into an empty net, which was met with ironic celebrations from the Spanish team and a portion of the 17,179 spectators. Malaga was subsequently declared the winner of the trophy.
Fulham released a statement via X explaining their decision, stating that both teams had agreed prior to the match that there would be no penalty shootout in the event of a draw. According to beIN Sports, the decision was also influenced by concerns that a shootout could affect the team's travel plans.
The match's chaotic ending was further punctuated by the sending off of Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa. He was shown a red card by referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias immediately after the final whistle as he appeared to confront the official.
Spanish outlet Marca described the events as a "deplorable act of disrespect" and an "unprecedented lack of respect in the history of the Malaga friendly." The publication reported that Arbeloa clashed with the referee during the break before the shootout, leading to his dismissal amid the ensuing chaos, which then prompted Fulham's departure from the field.