A Valletta player and two supporters were arraigned today in connection with incidents at yesterday's FA Trophy final, which was won by Floriana.

Player Terence Scerri, 27 was accused of trying to seriously injure Floriana player Christian Cassar, slightly injuring him and relapsing.

Supporter Tonio Zampa, 46 was accused of assaulting a policemam and disobeying police orders, while Renald Briffa, 34, was accused of punching a policeman, slightly injuring him and disobeying police orders.

All pleaded not guilty and were granted bail against a guarantee of €5,000 for which members of their family stood assurance for.

Dr Michael Schriha, counsel for Terence Scerri, said his client should not have been charged since this was a foul which happened during the game. He said a parallel could be drawn with the World Cup of 2006 when French player Zidane headbutted Materazzi of Italy during the match. The French striker was never charged over the incident.

With regards to Mr Zamps, Police Inspector Kevin Farrugia replying to a question by defence counsel Arthur Azzopardi, told the court that after the game had finished, he personally, and other officers, had actually thanked Mr Zampa for helping the police.

When asked by the court, the inspector said he had thanked Mr Zampa for helping the police by speaking to the supporters 'in their own language'.