Pre-season friendlies are usually a time for teams to let their hair down and enjoy games without any pressure, but sometimes, the intensity goes up a notch.

Fulham's meeting with Malaga was one such example, with the game ending in a stalemate before the English side refused to take part in a shootout.

There was also the small issue of the Spanish tactician getting sent off in the friendly, adding to the chaotic situation in Malaga.

Here is a bit of a back story into what transpired in this game, with the Costa del Sol trophy on the line.

Alvaro Arbeloa Sent Off After Heated Malaga Draw

In a return to Spain for the trio of Alvaro Arbeloa, Gonzalo Garcia, and Cesar Palacios, took on Malaga in the 36th edition of the Costa del Sol trophy.

The Premier League side, dressed in their new away kit, took the lead in the first half through Ryan Sessegnon.

Their lead lasted only a few minutes before Chupe levelled matters for the newly-promoted La Liga side in front of 17,000 fans in their home stadium.

Fulham restored their advantage three minutes shy of the hour mark through Alex Iwobi, and appeared to be cruising towards a win.

The game descended into chaos, although not quite AFCON final level, after Malaga were awarded a penalty for a controversial handball decision against Calvin Bassey.

Arbeloa was furious and remonstrated angrily with the officials, as he refused to accept the decision.

He was red carded at the final whistle after Eneko Jauregi scored the spot kick to ensure that the game ended in a draw.

Why Fulham Refused the Malaga Penalty Shootout

As with many pre-season games involving a trophy, the game was due to end in a penalty shootout to determine the recipient of the trophy.

The Premier League side refused to participate in a shootout and walked off the pitch, stating that their contract had not stipulated that a penalty shootout would take place.

They were booed off the pitch by the irate home fans, who had hoped to see the game resolved through penalties.

Fulham also said that they had a flight to catch, and participating in the penalty shootout would have possibly caused them to miss their flight back home.

Their official statement stated that both teams had agreed not to play penalties after the game ended in a draw.

Malaga gave a different account, pointing out that Fulham had decided not to participate in the shootout before walking off.

The La Liga side were awarded the trophy, with Jauregi even netting a mock penalty to elicit cheers from the fans.

What Happens Next for Alvaro Arbeloa and Fulham?

Arbeloa and his Fulham side put on an impressive performance against Malaga, which was overshadowed by the scenes at the end of the game.

The former Real Madrid boss has seen his side defeat Portuguese outfit Farense in an earlier friendly this summer.

His squad will have one more game against Stuttgart at Craven Cottage on August 15 to find their rhythm in pre-season.

They will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign exactly nine days later, when neighbours Chelsea visit Craven Cottage.