Valletta to appeal Diogo Tavares’ six-match ban

Floriana’s M’Mombwa handed three-match suspension

Valletta FC announced that they will be appealing against the decision of the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner to hand a six-match suspension to Portuguese forward Diogo Tavares.

Tavares, who joined Valletta last week, was handed this heavy sanction by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after he was shown a straight red card by referee Ishmael Barbara during Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Floriana.

The Portuguese forward was dismissed for elbowing Floriana midfielder Zach Scerri.

However, in a statement, Valletta FC described the decision as ‘very concerning and outrightly ridiculous, and will appeal.

“The decision to inflict a 6-match ban to Diogo Tavares is not only baffling but very concerning and outrightly ridiculous,” Valletta FC said in a statement.

“We respect the game, its rules, and its institutions. But respect must be reciprocal. Fairness, context, and objectivity are non-negotiable values in football.

“For these reasons, the club will be appealing this decision without hesitation. We will stand by our player, defend his character, and pursue what we believe is the only acceptable outcome: a fair and objective review of the facts.

“We shall not comment further on this matter, pending the appeal hearing.”

Tavares was one of three Premier League players sanctioned yesterday.

Floriana’s Charles M’Mombwa, who was also sent off during Saturday’s derby after kicking Valletta midfielder Sava Radic, was handed a three-match ban.

The other Premier League player to be sanctioned was Marsaxlokk midfielder David Minala, who was handed a one-match suspension for picking his fourth yellow card of the season in the 2-1 win over Birkirkara.