During the late 1960s the Christmas Cup replaced the traditional tourney.

For a short while the new competition was very popular with the stadium goers but after a while it started to lose its sparkle and was eventually discontinued a handful of years.

In 1969-70, the Christmas Cup was not played between all the First Division teams as in previous seasons.

Instead, the final was played between the holders, Floriana, and Valletta who obtained the best result against visitors Sarajevo.

Matches between Valletta and Floriana are always hot affairs, especially when the two rivals meet in a final. This one was certainly no exception.

‘Peace on Earth and goodwill to all men’ was definitely not the theme of that year’s contest though.

Looking back at matches played between these two rivals, this encounter stands out for the unsportsmanlike behaviour of the players of both sides and the bad behaviour of some Valletta fans.

Floriana won an exciting match 2-1 but the trouble that erupted midway through the second period spoiled an otherwise exciting encounter. The game was approaching the interval when goalkeeper Ċensu Borg Bonaci was the victim of a full-bloodied charge by Charlie Grech.

The two players fell heavily to the ground with the impact. With both players lying on the ground, the game was continued but immediately Floriana centre-forward Bugeja was laid low by a hard blow to the back by a City defender inside the box.

Floriana coach Lolly Borg and official Lino Camilleri ran to the pitch to attend to their player. At the same time, Borg Bonaci took exception to some remarks from the Floriana supporters standing behind the goalpost and vented his anger on Borg and Camilleri.

Some City fans then jumped the fence and rained blows on the Floriana officials. Anton Camilleri was kicked when he tried to defend his coach while a man was held by the police before he could assault the Floriana defender.

It was difficult to pinpoint the blame for these disgraceful incidents. Referee Richard Stagno Navarra started the game well but as it progressed and the tackling became dangerous, proceedings slipped out of his hands.

The first half ended all square but three minutes into the second period Tony Giglio took a corner and Joe Borg ran through to head the ball past Charlie Zerafa.

This goal rattled Floriana. They went forward in search of an equaliser. On and on they came forcing Valletta to drop back. Still Floriana persisted and they drew level on 60 minutes.

Louis Arpa was creating havoc in the Citizens’ defence. Dribbling past Vincent Gauci he seemed to be through but Gauci pulled him back when he was about to shoot at goal.

It was a penalty if ever there was one and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. Arpa pulled himself up and left Borg Bonaci standing with a well-placed shot.

Scenting victory Floriana went all out for the winner and they got their reward late on when Frankie Micallef beat Borg Bonaci. The Floriana side of the ground exploded.

The Citizens at last woke up to their responsibilities. They threw caution to the wind in a last desperate attempt to draw level but their efforts were too little and too late.

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