GFA Second Division match abandoned after attack on referee

The BOV GFA Second Division math between Oratory Youths and Qala Saints in programme at the Kercem Ajax Stadium on Saturday was abandoned on the 63rd minute after referee Joseph Agius was attacked by Manwel Cordina of Qala.

Cordina was sent off by the referee for a second cautionable offence and the player reacted by punching Agius in his right ear.

Oratory were leading 4-0 thanks to goals by Daniele Degennaro on the 21st and 35th, Anthony Zammit on the 51st and Oliver Saliba on the 54th.

In a statement, the Gozo Football Association deplored the incident and stressed that violence had no place in football. The GFA expressed solidarity with the referee and stated that it will be investigating the incident.

On the other hand, the Malta Football Referees Association issued another statement in which it condemned the cowardly attack on the referee who had to be hospitalised after the attack. While expressing solidarity with Agius, the MFRA stated that it will investigate the incident and did not exclude taking actions related to this attack.

Meanwhile in another match, St. Lawrence Spurs held Xaghra United in a 1-1 draw. Johnny Camilleri put Xaghra ahead on the 22nd but Muda Fagbeja equalised on the 73rd.