Updated: Paul Mbong and Andre Scicluna reconcile in strong message against racism

Birkirkara striker Paul Mbong and Senglea Athletic defender Andre Scicluna have announced that they have settled their differences following racist allegations late last year.

The case goes back to December last year when Birkirkara FC had formally written to the Malta FA asking for an investigation on the incident that happened towards the end of their Premier League match against Senglea Athletic where their player Paul Mbong has alleged that has suffered racial abuse.

Mbong accused Scicluna of passing racist remarks against him during Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Cottonera outfit at the National Stadium.

The incident happened on 85 minutes when Mbong tackled from behind Andre Scicluna and both players were booked by referee Fyodor Zammit after confronting each other. As a result, Scicluna was shown the red card and it was his second booking of the match.

Seconds later, Mbong was again yellow carded by the referee for passing remarks towards the Senglea defender as he was leaving the pitch.

Mbong posted on his facebook page, and apologised for leaving his team with ten men but lashed out at an unnamed Senglea player, accusing him of racially abusing him.

Scicluna wrote on social media that he had met with Paul Mbong to reconcile and hope that this incident will send “a clear and powerful message of respect and sportsmanship”.

“Very happy to meet PaulMbong today. A good chat over coffee clarified it was simply a misunderstanding. We are both hoping to send a clear and powerful message of respect and sportsmanship. Wishing Paul the very best in his career”.