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20-Month Ban After Valletta Player’s Father Assaults Waterpolo Coach Post-Match

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A former waterpolo committee member has been handed a 20-month ban after assaulting a coach after a match at the National Pool.

Ramon Micallef, who is also father to a player on the Valletta WPC team, is now appealing the ban by the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta.

The ban comes after Micallef attacked coach Joe Cremona last Sunday after a BOV Winter League match.

Cremona accused Micallef of driving near him with his car before eventually blocking him after the match. He then emerged from the vehicle, and when Cremona opened his window, Micallef punched him.

Cremona said he was left with facial injuries after the attack, which happened as other Valletta team members attempted to stop the attack.

The assault led to widespread condemnation among the water polo community. 

“Shocking but not surprised, the amount of abuse the waterpolo coaches have to face is increasing . Solidarity with Joe Cremona,” said one person online.

“Disgusted to say the least, a parent / committee member punching a coach after the match in front of all player’s and parents,” Facebook page Swim Up said.

Valletta United itself issued a statement condemning the attack, saying it lodged a report with ASA right after they were informed of the incident.

“This is a totally deplorable incident which must be condemned in all respects especially due to the fact that these disgraceful scenes were witnessed by players and parents in a sports environment which has to be healthy and safe,” it said.

“Valletta United WPC considers this to be a direct attack on the Club and will be defending the head coach Joe Cremona and the honour of the club in every possible scenario.”

What do you make of this incident?

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Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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