Arbeloa sent off as Fulham refuse penalty shootout against Malaga

Fulham refused to take part in a penalty shootout after their friendly against Malaga ended 2-2, allowing the Spanish side to lift the Costa del Sol Cup without a single kick being taken.

The unusual conclusion followed a late penalty awarded to Malaga after a handball, a decision which provoked a furious reaction from Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The former Real Madrid player was sent off for his protests before Fulham declined to continue with the shootout.

Malaga were subsequently awarded the trophy, despite the match having finished level after 90 minutes.

Fulham had taken the lead through Sessegnon, but Malaga drew level when Chupe found the net. The English club regained their advantage after the interval when Alex Iwobi scored.

Malaga were then given the chance to equalise in the 90th minute after the referee judged that the ball had struck a player’s hand inside the penalty area. Eneko Jauregi converted from the spot to make it 2-2.

The decision was immediately contested by Arbeloa, who strongly objected to referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Fulham manager’s continued protests resulted in his dismissal.

Fulham then opted not to participate in the penalty shootout, bringing the contest to an abrupt end and handing Malaga the tournament title.

The match had already been disrupted by an early injury to Malaga player Adrian Nino, who was forced to leave the field. The incident came just one week before Malaga are due to face Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano.

Both sides also made extensive changes during the game. Malaga made eight substitutions after half-time, a reshuffle which helped the Spanish team regain momentum before their late equaliser.

Arbeloa did not attend the post-match news conference, adding to an ending that had already departed sharply from the usual routine of a pre-season friendly.

The 43-year-old took charge of Fulham this summer after leaving Real Madrid. He is preparing for his first competitive match as the club’s manager, with Fulham due to begin their Premier League campaign against Chelsea on 24 August.