Fulham‘s friendly with Malaga on Wednesday night was that in name only after an acrimonious ending after the full-time whistle, which included new manager Alvaro Arbeloa being sent off.
The Cottagers drew 2-2 at their Spanish opponents – with the hosts claiming a draw courtesy of Eneko Jauregi’s 90th-minute penalty after Calvin Bassey was penalised for a handball.
However, that’s where the drama started…
With the match ending in a draw, Malaga’s players were preparing for a penalty shootout to determine who would win the Costa del Sol Trophy.
But there was one sticking point… Fulham’s players were not and instead headed down the tunnel, sparking boos from the home supporters.
It led to some confusion on the pitch as Eneko picked up the ball and rolled a penalty into an empty net to ironic celebrations from him and his team-mates and the majority of the 17,179 fans inside La Rosaleda.
Fulham’s players refused to take part in a penalty shootout after drawing 2-2 at Malaga
In a bizarre ending to the match, Malaga ended up winning the Costa del Sol Trophy
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off after full-time as he was unhappy with the referee
After the match Fulham released a statement explaining why they didn’t partake in the shootout, writing on X: ‘Thank you for your excellent support in Malaga this evening!
‘We can confirm that prior to the match, both teams agreed that there would not be a penalty shootout in the event of a draw.’
According to beIN Sports, Fulham also didn’t get involved in a shootout as it could affect their travel plans.
If that incident wasn’t enough there was also the small matter of Arbeloa’s dismissal who was unhappy with the referee at full-time.
As official Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias blew for the end of the game, Arbeloa made a beeline for him before being shown a red card.
Spanish outlet Marca was damning of Arbeloa and Fulham’s actions, writing: ‘This was a deplorable act of disrespect and an unprecedented lack of respect in the history of the Malaga friendly.
‘During the break to decide who would take the penalties, Arbeloa clashed with referee Ortiz Arias and was shown a straight red card.
‘Amid the ensuing chaos, Fulham decided to leave the field and refuse to participate in the penalty shootout, in one of the most embarrassing incidents in the history of football in Malaga.’
