Fulham's decision to leave the field before the penalty shootout was reportedly due to a lack of contractual agreement for a possible penalty shootout. A dispute had arisen between Fulham players and referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias over a given penalty, which led to Fulham's manager, Álvaro Arbeloa, being sent off the field. The penalty that led to the late 2-2 score for Malaga CF was given by referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias.
The Trofeo Costa del Sol is an annual friendly tournament, but Fulham seemed to take it more seriously than their opponents. They were leading 2-1 before Malaga CF scored an equalizer in the 90th minute. The match ended with Fulham walking off the field, leaving Malaga CF to begin the penalty shootout. The Malaga supporters celebrated the decision, while the Fulham players were sent off the field, including their manager Álvaro Arbeloa.