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Fulham Walk Off at Málaga as Home Side Score Penalty Into Empty Net

Conflicting club statements over whether a post-draw shootout was agreed left Málaga presented as Costa del Sol Trophy winners, prompting heavy media criticism of Fulham including manager Álvaro Arbeloa.

Overview

  • The friendly at La Rosaleda finished 2-2 after a stoppage-time penalty for Málaga converted by Eneko Jauregi, with the late award sparking protests from Fulham's bench.
  • Manager Álvaro Arbeloa was sent off for dissent at full time and then ordered his players to leave the pitch instead of participating in a penalty shootout.
  • With Fulham off the field, Málaga took a spot-kick into an empty net and celebrated, and the hosts were presented as Costa del Sol Trophy winners.
  • Fulham issued an official statement saying both clubs had agreed there would be no shootout if the game was drawn, while Málaga disputed that account and said a shootout had been scheduled; no formal sanctions have been reported so far.
  • The episode highlights that pre-season outcomes depend on written match agreements and that the incident could cause reputational damage for Fulham as they close their preparations before the Premier League season.