Antoine Zahra's ambition to extend his rich vein of form in Birkirkara's next league match has suffered an unexpected blow.

The Malta midfielder yesterday learnt that he cannot play against Mosta on October 15 after the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner ruled that he must serve a one-match suspension.

Zahra stole the show last Saturday when scoring the two goals, the second a sweetly-struck corner with three minutes left that helped Birkirkara turn the tables over Hamrun Spartans who had taken a 31st minute lead through Gaetan Spiteri.

Although Zahra had been among the players who received a yellow card, his inclusion in the suspensions' list came as a surprise yesterday as the Birkirkara stalwart has yet to accumulate four cautions which automatically lead to a one-match ban.

However, The Times has been informed that Zahra was disciplined for making a 'provocative gesture' towards the Spartans' end as he was celebrating his winning goal.

The MFA handed Zahra a one-match ban after the referee mentioned the player's over-reaction in his match report.

Meanwhile, high-flying Msida St Joseph will be without two of their most experienced players for their next match against Hibernians.

David Carabott and Daniel Theuma, both former Malta internationals, have been banned for one match after collecting their fourth yellow card in their team's 4-2 victory over Pietà Hotspurs.

Other suspensions

The three players who saw red in last weekend's matches, namely Sliema Wanderers midfielder Stefan Giglio and Pietà Hotspurs defenders Andrew Spiteri and David Camenzuli also received a one-match ban.

Division One club San Gwann were also hit hard by suspensions yesterday as Chris Cuschieri and Sandro Zammit Fava got a one-match ban. Coach Noel Coleiro received a two-match touchline ban.

Frankie Muscat, an official of Division Two club Gzira United, came in for the heftiest punishment in the shape of a three-month suspension.