Three Spartans players suspended for City clash

Last Monday's derby against Qormi FC proved more costly than anticipated for Ħamrun Spartans as yesterday the Championship Pool hopefuls had three key players suspended by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner.

The Spartans saw their chances of making the top six suffer a blow following a 2-1 defeat to Qormi at the Tedesco Stadium.

However, that upset had more significant ramifications for the Reds as they will have to field a weakened team against leaders Valletta at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Ħamrun coach Steve D'Amato will have to do without defender Roderick Fenech, midfielder Rupert Mangion and striker Ian Zammit who were all handed a one-match ban.

Mangion received further punishment from the Disciplinary Commissioner as the veteran midfielder was stripped off his captaincy until June 30 after passing comments to referee Paul Caruana at the end of the match.

Valletta, on their part, will be without central defender Kenneth Scicluna after he picked up his fourth booking of the season in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Tarxien Rainbows.

The other two players to receive a one-match ban yesterday were Dingli Swallows defender Clint Caruana and Msida St Joseph midfielder Lydon Micallef.

Caruana, who was sent off in his team's 2-1 defeat to Msida, will miss Dingli's match against Qormi tomorrow while Micallef will skip Msida's game against Birkirkara on Sunday.