Eight BOV Premier League players were each handed a one-match ban by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner, yesterday.

The worst hit were leaders Valletta and relegation-troubled Naxxar Lions who play each other when the championship resumes after the Christmas recess on the weekend of January 9-10.

Both teams had two players each on the list of suspended players.

Claudio Pani and Ryan Camilleri were handed the ban for a fourth yellow card they incurred during Sunday’s big match against Hibs which the Citizens won 3-2 to go three points clear at the top of the standings.

Jose Angel Pereira and Blazo Rajovic both saw red in Naxxar’s 5-0 defeat to Tarxien Rainbows last weekend.

Rajovic was sent off for passing remarks to the referee after the final whistle.

Before facing Naxxar in the championship, Valletta will cross the channel to play Xewkija Tigers in the FA Trophy third round, at the Gozo Stadium, on January 6.

Stripes’ bench

Third-placed Birkirkara, still under the charge of interim coach Josef Mansueto following the departure of Giovanni Tedesco on December 10, will have to do without defender Mauricio Mazzetti for their next match against Qormi on January 10.

Mazzetti was handed a one-match ban after accumulating four yellow cards with the booking he got in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Mosta.

Among those mentioned as possible replacements for Tedesco on the Birkirkara bench are Milan Milanovic, of Serbia, and Croat Drazen Besek.

The club did not release an official statement so far but the new coach could be appointed before the squad reconvenes next week after a short break for Christmas.

Meanwhile, the other three players to serve a one-match ban in the next round of league matches are Mosta’s Onyekachi Okonkwo, sent off against Birkirkara, and Qormi’s Kurt Magro and Bruno, of Tarxien Rainbows.