Żurrieq FC defender banned three years

Joseph Lia was yesterday banned from football for three years following an incident that led to the abandonment of last weekend's Division Two basement clash between Żurrieq and St Andrew's at the Centenary Stadium.

Lia, of Żurrieq, lost control of his nerves when he was shown a red card on 69 minutes with St Andrew's leading 3-1. On his way out, the Żurrieq defender assaulted referee Chris Francalanza who was given medical assistance but was unable to continue the match. The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner yesterday handed Lia a one-match ban and a suspension until April 29, 2011.

The Premier League players handed a one-match ban were: Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk) and Patrick Borg (Msida).