Maltese players in free-for-all fight in youth tournament

According to reports in the Swedish and Norwegian media, police had to be called to stop a free-for-all fight in a game between a Maltese team and Norwegian side Verdal in a Swedish tournament – StorsjøCupen which is held in Östersund.

The Maltese team in question is one coming from a school and is playing under the name of Ilves Football School – Malta. The team is therefore not a registered football nursery.

It seems that an early goal by the Norwegian side sparked a serious of bad tackles by the Maltese players. At least three Maltese players were sent off. The referee stopped the match and further incidents took place with the match official being hit in the chest by a Maltese player by what was described as kung-fu and karate kicks in various reports.

Players, officials and spectators rushed onto the field of play and a free-for-all fight followed. Organisers had no option other than to call the police.

A 15-year-old player was arrested by police after the game on charges of assault. He was questioned on Friday afternoon but has now been released according to reports.

Also taking part in the tournament but in a different category is the Attard Football Nursery who however was not involved in any way whatsoever with this game or these incidents.