Fulham forfeit trophy as opponents claim they abandoned match before its end

Fulham’s pre-season clash against Malaga ended in bizarre fashion as the Spanish side conducted a penalty shootout on their own.

The contest at the Estadio La Rosaleda in Malaga finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, but with the Costa del Sol trophy on the line, there had to be a winner.

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However, no-one appeared to tell Fulham that was the case.

After the full-time whistle, Fulham’s players shook hands and began to make their way off the pitch.

Meanwhile, Malaga forward Eneko Jauregi strode up to the penalty spot where he placed the ball and duly slotted home, albeit into an open goal.

Jauregi then jogged away to celebrate and gave a fist pump to the Malaga supporters before being mobbed by his teammates.

Fulham issue statement on not participating in penalty shootout

The puzzling post-match scenes prompted Fulham to issue a statement on social media to clarify the situation.

“Thank you for your excellent support in Malaga this evening,” the statement read.

“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.”

There were reports Fulham chose not to participate in the penalty shootout because of a tight travel schedule, with the club due to fly back to London immediately after the match.

Whatever the reason, it mattered little to Malaga who took home the Costa del Sol trophy.

And they disputed Fulham’s version of events in their own statement.

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It read: “Although a penalty shootout had been scheduled, Fulham left the pitch, claiming that a shootout had not been included in the contract.

“Malaga CF were therefore crowned champions of the XXXVI Costa del Sol Cervezas Victoria Cup.”

The contest marked Fulham’s penultimate pre-season friendly before the Premier League campaign gets underway on August 24.

How did Fulham v Malaga unfold?

Ryan Sessegnon put the Cottagers ahead before David Larrubia levelled the contest for the hosts.

Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz nudged Fulham back in front, only for Jauregi to net a late equaliser from the spot.

There was still more controversy to come though as new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off at full-time.

Arbeloa was handed his marching orders by referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias due to his furious protests over a decision.

The former Real Madrid boss’ exit was met with boos and whistles from Malaga supporters, which only increased in volume when Fulham’s players exited the field.

Arbeloa’s side wrap up their pre-season preparations on August 15 against Stuttgart before beginning their domestic campaign on August 24 with a clash against Chelsea.