Watch: Joseph Muscat Condemns ‘Unacceptable’ Violence At Minors Game And Calls For Sanctions
Malta Premier League chairman and former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has condemned the violence that broke out at a recent under-17s semi-final as “unacceptable”.
“I watch minor football games practically every week because one of my daughters plays for a team,” Muscat told Lovin Malta. “Sometimes tensions flare and extra comments are made, but I’ve also seen minor games overseas and can say that this doesn’t only happen in Malta.”
“So long as it’s limited to passion, it’s all good, but if it moves onto aggression – both verbal and especially physical – then that’s completely unacceptable and I think there should be exemplary sanctions. I think the MFA reacted well in this regard.”
A fight, involving players, parents and coaches, broke out in Mosta last weekend following Hibernians’ 1-0 victory over Pietà Hotspurs. The referee said the fight was instigated by Hibs coach and photographer Stefano Fava, who “was taunting Pietà players and supporters throughout the entire match”.
Fava apologised if his comments caused offence, but said the physical violence against him – by a Pietà player and two parents – was “disgusting”.
“Last Sunday will forever be a dark day in Maltese youth football. Brawls like that aren’t a result of what one says – they are behaviour and attitudes which have been tolerated and nurtured within a community,” he said.
“I had to stand there and take it like a man. But what if it happens again? Who will we blame it on then? Who will be the scapegoat next time? Let’s hope this was a wake-up call for everyone involved, myself included.”
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