Valletta keeper Bartolo handed three-month ban

Goalkeeper Bartolo (right) reacts during Saturday’s semi-final against Hibernians.

Valletta goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo has been slapped with a three-month ban following his sending-off in the U*Bet FA Trophy semi-final defeat to Hibernians last weekend.

Bartolo drew widespread condemnation for his antics on the field of play following his dismissal after having lashed out at an opponent during the 3-2 defeat to the Paolites.

The incident occurred late in the first half when Bartolo was shown the red card for kicking Zoran Levnaic after the City keeper had just saved a penalty only to concede a goal from the rebound.

Bartolo, who joined Valletta last summer, has been given an additional two-match ban for his red-card offence, which sanction must be served after the expiry of his three-month suspension on August 21.

Valletta defender Jason Lee Vandelannoite, who was also sent off minutes before Bartolo suffered the same fate, was suspended for one game along with Matthew Fleri Soler and Clayton Giordimaina.

The Lija Athletic duo saw red in their side’s 1-0 defeat to Qormi in the first FA Trophy semi-final.

Hibs goalkeeper Mario Muscat, who was also dismissed against Valletta, served his one-match suspension in yesterday’s final.