Pietà Hotspurs coach Noel Coleiro was yesterday suspended for six months following his altercation with Floriana winger Steve Pisani at the end of the BOV Premier League match which ended 1-1.
The Malta FA Disciplinary Board convened yesterday evening to look into the case after the venue director on duty at the Hibs Stadium on Saturday reported that Coleiro clashed with Pisani following a heated argument between the two, sparking a skirmish between players and officials from both teams as they were heading for the dressing rooms.
According to the venue director, police and stadium personnel had to intervene to calm the situation as “players and staff of both teams either took part in the fight or tried to stop it”.
It is understood that Coleiro and Pisani were called to give their version of events during yesterday’s hearing before the board delivered its ruling.
Pisani has reportedly been fined over the incident.
Contacted by Times of Malta yesterday, Joseph Sammut, the president of Pietà Hotspurs, confirmed that Coleiro has been given a six-month touchline ban, adding that the club will appeal the punishment.
The Hotspurs, third from bottom in the Premier League table with 14 points, have until Wednesday to lodge their appeal.
Pietà meet runaway leaders Hibernians tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Malta FA announced yesterday that the winter transfer window will open on January 5 and closes on February 2.
BOV Division One fixtures
Today: (Centenary Stadium) 7.30pm Żurrieq vs Pembroke.
Tomorrow: (Centenary Stadium) 2pm Gudja United vs Msida St Joseph; 4pm Mqabba vs Vittoriosa Stars.
Sunday: (Centenary Stadium) 2pm Gżira United vs Birżebbuġa St Peter’s; 4pm St George’s vs St Andrew’s. (Luxol Stadium) 2pm Rabat Ajax vs Lija Athletic; 4.15pm Melita vs Fgura United.