Four Marsaxlokk players banned

Six players will miss their teams' opening matches in the Championship Pool after receiving a one-match ban yesterday.

Valletta will be without Ian Zammit for their clash with Hamrun Spartans on March 11. The Spartans had Roderick Fenech on the suspensions' list. The defender was punished after he received a red card at the end of Monday's crucial match against Hibs.

Marsaxlokk, second behind Valletta at the end of the first phase, have seen their resources for their match with Floriana diminish considerably after the latest report by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner.

No fewer than four first-team Marsaxlokk players received a one-match ban yesterday.

Midfielders Kevin Sammut and Peter Pullicino and defender Renato Conceicao came in for punishment after all accrued four yellow cards while striker Cleaven Frendo was disciplined for a red card against Valletta.

Tyrone Farrugia, the Msida defender who was sent off in his side's 2-1 loss to Mqabba on Monday, was not on the suspensions' list yesterday but he's expected to be slapped with a one-match ban when the Disciplinary Commissioner reviews the referee's match report, probably tomorrow.