Floriana FC judgement could set dangerous precedent – Santa Lucia FC

Santa Lucia FC issued a statement on Friday in reaction to the Malta FA’s judgement on the racist abuse by a group of Floriana supporters towards Santa Lucia FC goalkeeper Julani Archibald during the side’s Premier League clash last August.

On Thursday, Floriana FC have been fined €3,000 and handed a suspended three-point penalty after they were found guilty of racial behaviour by their fans during their Premier League match against Sta Lucia FC earlier this season.

Santa Lucia FC said that while they remained committed to the exclusion of all forms of discrimination, they feel that the judgement could set a dangerous precedent for abuses by supporters.

“Reference is made to the sentence issued against Floriana FC related to the racist abuse by a group of Floriana supporters towards Santa Lucia FC goalkeeper, Juliani Archibald during his Premier League debut,” the Premier League club said in a statement.

“Whilst, Santa Lucia FC remains committed to the exclusion of all forms of discrimination, the club feels that the judgement delivered against Floriana FC sets a precedent for abuses by individuals whose intentions may go beyond the good of the game and ultimately to the detriment of the clubs.

“Provided that the persons responsible are brought to justice, a club shall not bear any additional burden, especially when clubs are incurring high expenses in ensuring that law enforcement forces do not allow such incidents to occur.

“We are aware that the clubs have solidly agreed to amend the regulations after this incident, but because collectively want to eradicate these types of abuses. We believe that more common sense should prevail when delivering such rulings.”

Santa Lucia ended their statement by saying that they were somewhat disappointed that in the judgement, Julani Archibald, had received no form assistance following the abuse received.

“We would have acknowledged with more interest if the sentence had in one way or another offered assistance to the victim of this case,” the statement concluded.