Mellieha player arrested after hitting ref

The BOV Division Two match between promotion candidates Mellieħa and Gudja United was abandoned at half-time this afternoon after Mellieħa forward Tiago Loquete attacked referee Trustin Farrugia Cann at half-time.

Having been booked for a foul late in the first half, which ended goalless, Loquette continued to protest his innocence with the referee as the two teams were making their way to the dressing rooms of the Centenary Stadium.

As Farrugia Cann was about to book Loquete for a second time, which would have resulted in a red card, the Brazilian forward appeared to hit the referee.

After order was been restored on the pitch, the match officials eventually reached the dressing room before deciding to abandon the match as Farrugia Cann was unfit to continue.

Witnesses said Loquete was arrested by the police.

In a statement, Mellieħa SC expressed their solidarity with Farrugia Cann and condemned Loquete's behaviour, adding that the player has been suspended with immediate effect.

The MFA and the Malta Referees Association both condemned the incident and said everyone had to shoulder responsibility for his actions.