Marsa FC’s hopes of Premier League promotion were dealt a heavy blow after they had two points deducted by the Malta FA’s Control, Disciplinary and Ethics Committee on Wednesday.
The club has been handed a fine of €650 as well after the Malta FA found them guilty and therefore responsible for the violent conduct of their players. A decision which is subject to appeal.
“The Malta FA whilst showing solidarity with the match official in question, unequivocally condemns any form of violent behaviour and reiterates that violence has no place in football,” the Malta FA said in a statement.
Following this decision, Marsa have slipped into fourth with 33 points. They sit three points behind second-place Pietà Hotspurs FC with two games left for the end of the season – against Swieqi United and Żebbuġ Rangers.
The two-point deduction comes at the back of the melee in which players of Marsa FC were embroiled during their BOV Challenge League Group B match between Enzo Potenza’s side and Pietà which was played on February 27 at the Centenary Stadium.
Goalkeeper Dorian Bugeja had assaulted match official Mitchell Spiteri, resulting in a three-year ban from competitive football for the Marsa player.
According to the match report, Bugeja was punished as after he was shown the red card he assaulted assistant referee Mallia by “kicking with his studs up his abdominals with the consequence of inflicting injury.”
The incident was put into light by the Malta Referees Association who condemned the behaviour of the Marsa FC player and had appealed to the Disciplinary Commissioner to come out heavy with its punishments.
On their part, Marsa FC had issued a statement to condemn the behaviour and said that they will be taking disciplinary action against the players involved “as we believe that every person involved in football should be respected.”
Marsa FC added that they were disappointed by the level of refereeing during their recent matches and are set to lodge a protest in front of the MFA so that disciplinary action will be taken against match officials who committed mistakes that could eventually hamper the team’s hopes of promotion to the Premier League.
