Sliema Wanderers’ lingering frustration at Pedrinho’s costly dismissal in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Balzan will have deepened yesterday after the Brazilian playmaker was slapped with a three-match ban by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Pedrinho was given a straight red card by referee Clayton Pisani for hitting Balzan midfielder Luke Sciberras in the face two minutes before half-time.
The score was still goalless when Pedrinho was given his marching orders but Balzan took the points after Lydon Micallef hit the winning goal early in the second half.
This is not the first time that Pedrinho’s short temper has landed him in hot water as last March he was also suspended for three games for elbowing Birkirkara’s Kurt Zammit in a league match.
Pedrinho’s conduct during Saturday’s game casts serious doubts over his future with Sliema as top club officials have taken a dim view of the incident, also in light of previous episodes involving the former Balzan and Msida St Joseph player.
The 29-year-old was due to appear before the Sliema Wanderers disciplinary board yesterday evening.
Meanwhile, six other Premier League players were given a one-match ban.
Luke Dimech has been ruled out of the Wanderers’ next league fixture, against Tarxien Rainbows on November 20, after the veteran defender earned his fourth yellow card in the Balzan defeat.
Birkirkara wing-back Joseph Zerafa was sanctioned after being dismissed in the second half of the goalless stalemate against Floriana on Saturday for two bookable offences.
Paul Fenech, also of Birkirkara, was also suspended for one match after he collected his fourth yellow card in last weekend’s game.
Zerafa and Fenech will therefore miss Birkirkara’s league fixture against Naxxar Lions on November 21.
Valletta will be without Llywelyn Cremona for their opening second round game against St Andrew’s on November 20 after the young midfielder, who made his Malta debut in yesterday’s friendly match against Jordan, was handed a one-match ban for four yellow cards.
Mosta’s Nigerian midfielder Hassan Yau, also suspended for four bookings, will have to sit out the game against Floriana on November 22.
UEFA U-19 mini-tournament
Playing today (Victor Tedesco Stadium)
Israel vs Iceland - 11.30am
Malta vs Denmark - 2.45pm