Fulham clinch place in Europa League

(GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham will play in the Europa League next season via the Premier League's Fair Play League.

Mark Hughes' side had just one player sent off in league matches all season - that happened in the very last game leading to suggestions that relegated Blackpool could pip them to the spot.

Chelsea finished top of the Fair Play League but had already qualified for the Champions League and Fulham were in second spot.

The Premier League said in a statement: "Fulham FC has finished the season as the highest placed club in the 2010/11 Fair Play League that has not already qualified for UEFA competitions via the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League.

"The club will take the additional European place awarded to England and compete in next season's UEFA Europa League."

England received an additional Europa League place for next season after finishing second in UEFA's national fair-play table based on results from all UEFA club and international matches played over the season.