San Ġiljan player Ben Plumpton fined €725 for biting Neptunes player Sam Gialanze

San Ġiljan player Ben Plumpton had a three-match ban turned into a €725 by the ASA Disciplinary Commissioner after he was found guilty of biting Neptunes player Sam Gialanze during last Wednesday’s President’s Cup clash.

Plumpton was summoned before the ASA board following a report filed by Neptunes WPSC, which accused the San Ġiljan player of violent conduct against Gialanze.

This was not the first time that Plumpton was involved in a similar incident as in July 2024, he was handed a 12-match ban for biting two Sliema players.

During the hearing, both parties were allowed to present their versions of events, and video evidence of the incident was submitted to the Disciplinary Board.

The Disciplinary Commissioners ruled that Plumpton’s action against Gialanze resulted in a violent action and decided that it warranted a fine amounting to €500, along with a three-match suspension.

However, the Disciplinary board referred to the ASA Disciplinary Code’s sub-clause Completion of Match suspension that states that a “match suspension incurred during a match in connection with a competition in one item shall be completed in a competition in the same line.

“Any other competition, including tournaments, that may be organised, such that each difference one shall be considered to be a different competition.

“Match suspensions incurred in the Super Cup shall be converted into a fine at the rate of €75 each, amounting to a total of €225.”

Thus, Plumpton was sanctioned with a fine of €500 fine and an additional fine of €225, totalling a fine of €725.

 The board ruled that although they are aware of “Plumpton’s history with similar events, the latter is not considered as a Repeat Offender in terms of Clause DC-A5 of the Code since offences are limited to the same season”.

Still, the Disciplinary body recommended to the ASA to revisit the provisions of Clause DcC-A3 of the Disciplinary Code, which duly convert suspensions into fines on the basis of incidents occurring in particular competitions.

The board felt that offences that warrant suspensions should be enforced regardless of competition, especially when incidents occur in competitions that are played in a single match.

Sam Gialanze was represented by Dr Arthur Azzopardi, while Prof. Stefano Filetti and San Ġiljan president Peter Bonavia appeared for Ben Plumpton.