Żabbar St Patrick U-17 player handed one-year ban after Sunday’s fracas against Naxxar Lions

The Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner handed a one-year ban to a Żabbar St Patrick U-17 player following the fracas that happened during Sunday’s clash against Naxxar Lions at the Dingli Ground.

The referee was forced to abandon the match after both sets of players were involved in a scuffle. During the fracas, a Naxxar Lions player was hit by a Żabbar player and was taken to the hospital for further treatment.

During the scuffle, two other Żabbar SP players were also hurt and needed medical attention after the match.

The case was assessed by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner on Tuesday who decided to hand a one-year ban to Żabbar St Patrick player Jaden Buckland.

On the other hand, Jamie Azzopardi was handed a one-match ban after he was sent off for two yellow cards during the match.

Naxxar Lions player Hani Ezzeden Saih was handed a three-match ban while Jake Pace and club official Etienne Vella were both fined.

The decisions taken by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner are subject to appeal.

In a statement, the Malta FA reiterated that it strongly condemned the scenes witnessed last Sunday.

“The Malta FA would like to reiterate that it strongly condemns any form of violence, altercation, or unsporting behaviour on or around the field of play,” the statement said.

“Such conduct goes against the fundamental values of football, including respect, discipline, and fair play, which the Association works continuously to promote across all levels of the game, particularly within youth football.”