Fulham walk-off leaves Alvaro Arbeloa facing Spanish ridicule after Malaga clash

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been widely criticised in Spain after ordering his players off the pitch during a pre-season friendly against Malaga, preventing the Costa del Sol Cup from being decided by a penalty shootout.

The match at La Rosaleda finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, but Fulham refused to take part in the shootout after a penalty was awarded against them in the final minute. Malaga were subsequently declared the winners of the trophy without having to complete the spot-kicks.

Arbeloa’s reaction to the decision was one of intense anger. The former Real Madrid manager was shown a red card after protesting against the referee and then encouraged his players to leave the field.

The walk-off created a further problem because the match was scheduled to be settled on penalties. With the Fulham players absent, Inigo Jauregi stepped forward to take the opening kick in front of an empty goal.

He scored, prompting celebrations among the Malaga supporters at La Rosaleda as their side were awarded the Costa del Sol Cup. The mood in the stands was also marked by mockery directed at Arbeloa.

According to Foot Mercato, fans began chanting, “Where is Arbeloa? Where is Arbeloa?” The taunts were aimed particularly at the Fulham manager because his decision to remove his team from the pitch had triggered the unusual conclusion.

The incident was heavily criticised by the Spanish media. AS described it as a “resounding failure”, while Marca called it an “insult” and “an unfortunate lack of respect”.

Arbeloa was appointed as Fulham’s new manager and the episode occurred during the club’s preparations for the new season. The decision to abandon the shootout overshadowed the result and prevented Fulham from presenting a positive image in Spain.

Two new players signed by Arbeloa from Real Madrid, Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, declined to provide a detailed explanation after the match.

Garcia limited his response to the media to: “Good night”. Palacios was more forthcoming, although he said he did not know what had caused the incident.

“Honestly, I haven’t the slightest idea,” he said.

Spanish newspapers and broadcasters have since used the controversy to ridicule Arbeloa, with the manager’s conduct becoming the main talking point from the friendly rather than the 2-2 draw itself.

Malaga’s supporters were therefore able to celebrate lifting the Costa del Sol Cup after a match that had been expected to end with a conventional penalty shootout. Instead, Fulham’s refusal to continue saw the Spanish side crowned winners in highly unusual circumstances, while Arbeloa faced condemnation for what was described as disrespectful behaviour.