MFA orders replay of Cottonera derby

The Malta FA Protests Board has ordered that the first round match between Division One rivals Vittoriosa Stars and St George's be replayed.

Vittoriosa had beaten St George's 3-2 on Dec. 27 but the result of the derby was thrown into doubt when news broke out that two St George's players, goalkeeper Andrea Gatt and forward Lawrence Mizzi, had been sentenced in court after both confessed that they had accepted money to throw away the said match.

Manwel Ancilleri, the vice-president of Vittoriosa Stars, has also been arraigned in court in connection with the same match. His case is still pending.

St George's lodged a protest in which they called on the Malta FA to declare the outcome of the derby null. On Tuesday night, the MFA Protests Board annulled the outcome of the original match and ordered a replay. The decision also means that Vittoriosa have had three points deducted from their erstwhile total of 16, demoting them from second place to sixth in the standings.

Gatt, Mizzi and Ancilleri have been suspended indefinitely by the MFA. The association's Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices is also holding an inquiry into the case.

Suspensions

Four Premier League players received a one-match ban.

Tarxien Rainbows duo, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and Andrew Decesare, and Marsaxlokk's Kevin Sammut have been suspended after collecting a fourth yellow card.

Valletta's Doding Priso has been punished for his red card in the goalless draw against Qormi on Monday.

The Cameroon forward will serve his ban in tomorrow's derby against Floriana.