Father of Valletta waterpolo player handed 20-month ban for assaulting team coach

The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta has handed a 20-month ban to Ramon Micallef after he attacked Valletta Waterpolo Club coach Joe Cremona at the end of Sunday’s BOV Winter League match at the National Pool.

In a report filed to the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, Cremona accused Micallef, who is the father of a player who forms part of the Valletta WPC squad and a former committee member, of approaching him with his car and blocking his way as he was leaving the National Pool.

Cremona said that a furious Micallef came out of his car and after the Valletta coach opened his car window, Micallef punched him in the face.

The Valletta WPC coach suffered facial injuries during the incident that happened in front of other team members and security officials who restrained Micallef from continuing his assault.

Cremona has lodged a formal report to the police after Micallef threatened him that the incident wouldn’t stop here and vowed to take vengeance.

The case was discussed by the ASA Disciplinary Commissioner this week who found Micallef guilty of his actions and suspended him for a 20-month period starting on March 27, 2023.

“During the period that the identified supporter is suspended from all ASA activities, all provisions listed in the definition of a suspension from all ASA activities shall apply, in particular, the identified supporter shall be banned from attending any waterpolo matches or swimming events organised by the ASA,” the commissioner said.

Micallef has now filed an appeal against the decision to ban him.