A Futsal final between Hamrun and Valletta will be played behind closed doors to prevent a reoccurrence of the violence that marred a match between the sides two weeks ago.

That fight had landed Valletta futsal president Dassier Borg in court, with another three Valletta players and one Hamrun player also receiving suspensions.

The decision to close the final off to the public was announced by the Futsal Malta Association this morning, which said it had based its decision on a risk assessment exercise conducted by a security management firm.

“Taking into account the disproportionate level of tension between the clubs, the venue set-up and the level of security services available to the association….. the FMA is being categorically advised to stage the final behind closed doors,” the FMA said.

It said that it was “deeply saddened” by the decision but was obliged to prioritise public safety over other concerns.

The game will be held tomorrow at 8.00pm and will determine who is crowned champion of Futsal’s 2015/16 season. It is the third in a best-of-three final series.
Hamrun Spartans wont the first game before Valletta tied the series with a thrilling 7-6 victory, setting the season up for a nail-biting finale – until the fighting ruined it all.