Birkirkara, Sta Lucia punished for late skirmishes in league finale

Stripes duo Elouni, Adailton to miss Trophy semi-final due to suspension

The Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner went down hard on Birkirkara and Santa Lucia players that were involved in skirmishes after the final whistle of the Premier League clash that was played last Friday at the Centenary Stadium.

The match held high stakes for Santa Lucia’s ambitions to stay in the Premier League as the Saints needed the three points to avoid the drop.

In the end, Birkirkara scuppered Santa Lucia’s hopes as Kaiden Fenech’s screamer two minutes from time earned the Stripes a 2-2 and condemned Santa Lucia to relegation.

At the final whistle, tension was high among the two teams with players from both sides involved in a few skirmishes, forcing referee Philip Farrugia to show the red card to several players.

In fact, Birkirkara had two players sanctioned, namely Omar Elouni and Adailton, who were hit with a three-match ban. President Michael Valenzia was also shown the red card and was handed a two-match ban.

Elouni and Adailton’s suspension take more significance as it rules them out of Wednesday’s FA Trophy semi-final against Sliema Wanderers.

On the other hand, Santa Lucia had three players, Carlos Gabriel, Evandro Gomes and Steve Pisani, who were all handed a three-match ban for their involvement in the clashes.

Defender Mattias Ellul was handed a one-match ban after picking up a fourth booking during the match.

Elsewhere, Floriana will be without Lorenzo De Grazia in Tuesday’s FA Trophy semi-final against Gżira United due to a one-match ban, following his fourth booking in the 3-1 defeat against the Maroons in their league meeting.

Mosta’s Zachary Brincat and Gustavo Chara were also handed a one-match ban after picking up their fourth yellow card in their team’s 2-0 win over Naxxar Lions.