A football commentator and the managing editor of Smash television have been fined a total of €3,000 over remarks against referee Chris Lautier during a live football broadcast.

The match, between Sliema and Qormi, was played on March 29, 2010 and broadcast on Smash TV later. Mr Lautier was the referee. Sliema lost the match.

The commentary was made principally by Josef Galdes, assisted by Renato Vella.

During the second half when a Qormi player was floored and the ref ordered a penalty, Mr Galdes called Mr Lautier Il-figolla tas-sena and made various other disparaging comments about his control of the match.

Mr Vella said that even if Sliema scored, the referee would probably disallow it.

In his defence Mr Galdes pleaded fair comment. Mr Vella did not file a defence.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquele in his judgement said the commentary was of a very low level, verging on the ridiculous. It was true that some of the referee's decisions were controversial and could be commented upon without imputing bad motive, as Mr Galdes had repeatedly done.

Mr Galdes and Mr Jesmar Baldacchino representing Smash TV were each fined €1,500. Mr Vella was not held responsible.