Hibs, Valletta bosses urge fans to steer clear of trouble

Amid soaring expectations of a rip-roaring confrontation between Premier League title rivals Hibernians and Valletta tomorrow at the National Stadium, the presidents of the two clubs appealed to the fans to make this a memorable occasion for all the right reasons.

The unstinting efforts of Hibs and Valletta to win the championship have enthralled their passionate supporters as well as many neutral followers of the local game, in the process helping to maintain people's focus on the ball in a season punctuated by a catalogue of off-field controversies.

Their relentless pursuit of glory has inevitably intensified the rivalry between the supporters of Valletta and Hibs, raising fears that tomorrow's showdown might be overshadowed by a torrent of derogatory chants or, even worse, scuffles at the stadium.

Tony Bezzina and Victor Sciriha, the presidents of Hibs and Valletta respectively, hope that tomorrow's clash will be played out in a vibrant and colourful atmosphere but both called on their faithful to steer clear of trouble.

"I'm sure that there will be a buzzing atmosphere inside the stadium," Bezzina told The Times.

"I want the fans to enjoy themselves but I urge them to refrain from indulging in personal insults.

"It's normal in football that fans taunt each other but there's no room for abusive chants. I also hope that the match will be trouble free."

Sciriha, the Valletta supremo, echoed Bezzina's appeal.

"I anticipate a terrific atmosphere," Sciriha said.

"In football, as in any other sport, there has to be a winner and a loser. My wish is for the winners to celebrate their success in a civil manner and for the others to be gracious in defeat.

"The important thing is that both teams give their 100 per cent. I'd like my team to win this match but if that doesn't happen, I will congratulate Hibs."

Hibs and Valletta have waged a season-long battle for Premier League supremacy with the final verdict to be delivered tomorrow.

While Valletta were universally regarded as clear-cut favourites to retain their status as champions, Hibs have defied pre-season predictions by making a sustained challenge for the title.

When Hibs were passing through a rocky patch a few weeks ago, coach Mark Miller remarked that whatever the outcome of the title race, his team have already exceeded expectations.

"At the start of the season, nobody expected Hibs to fight for the title," Bezzina, the club president, said.

"But the team's excellent performances and results strengthened our belief and motivation.

"All the players in our squad and the coaching staff deserve credit for a wonderful campaign."

Although Valletta can still reach their pre-season target by overhauling Hibs' two-point lead, Sciriha didn't mask his disappointment that his team have done things the hard way.

"Without detracting from the merits of Hibs who have a great team, I'm a bit disappointed with the way our season has panned out," Sciriha said.

"Given the quality in our squad, I didn't expect us to go into the final league match needing a victory to win the title.

"We have only lost two matches but the eight drawn results we've had cost us too many points."

Sciriha is confident, however, that the Citizens have what it takes to have the final say.

"I believe that this squad is stronger than the one of last year," he said.

"This is the time for our players to show their true character and live up to their high reputations. It's in their hands. I'm confident that our team is more than capable of winning this match but it will not be easy.

"I have nothing but the utmost respect for Hibs. My admiration for this club also stems from their success in promoting their young players to the first team."

Special Olympics

The Special Olympics football final this season will be contested by the teams from Mosta and Pembroke.

This match will be played at the National Stadium tomorrow, starting at 3.30 p.m.