Swieqi United reject Melita FC’s racist comments accusations against club official

Swieqi United have denied allegations that one of their club officials had racially abused a Melita FC player during last weekend’s BOV Challenge League at the Tedesco Stadium.

On Sunday, Melita FC issued a statement to condemn the comments of a racial nature passed on by a Swieqi United representative from the ground’s VIP area towards a Melita player.

However, Swieqi United said that after being alerted of the allegations on Sunday afternoon an internal investigation on the matter was launched, and they are rejecting all allegations.

“Swieqi United FC was alerted early Sunday afternoon of a social media post by Melita FC, alleging racist remarks attributed to one of our coaches during the match between both clubs,” the club said in a statement.

“The Club takes such allegations seriously and instantly instigated an internal review.

“Following said review, the club wholeheartedly rejects and strongly condemns the baseless allegations made by Melita FC. Swieqi United FC is deeply disappointed that such serious accusations were made without any evidence, in a public forum, and without the courtesy of prior communication with our club’s management – especially considering the good relations between both clubs off the pitch.”

Swieqi United said that the internal review included watching match footage, speaking with other witnesses in the VIP Area and assessing the MFA reports related to the match.

“Swieqi United FC has always been a club and continues to be a club with an absolute zero tolerance policy towards racism, discrimination, or any other form of abuse.

“We have been on the forefront when it has come to the safeguarding of all stakeholders in football and we have championed equal rights and fair play beyond the norms in Maltese football.

“Swieqi United FC is equally disappointed that certain news outlets chose to parrot this accusation without asking for proof or seeking the club’s comments.

“The club reserves all legal and judicial rights available to it to counter these vexatious statements, which unjustly damage the reputation and good standing of the club.”

The Times of Malta has confirmed that the Malta Football Association has launched an investigation on the matter and have appointed a Disciplinary Inspector to look into the case and report back to the football association.