Dyson Falzon yesterday completed his loan move from Valletta to Mosta but any satisfaction he may have derived from rejoining his ‘first love’ was tempered by the news of his temporary exclusion from the national squad over his shirt-throwing tantrum during the Citizens’ 5-2 win over Sliema Wanderers on Saturday.
The last three days have taken Falzon on a rollercoaster of emotions. Having struggled to reclaim a regular place at Valletta after recovering from injury, Falzon was included in the starting formation for Saturday’s FA Trophy fourth round game.
But with the champions 2-0 down after only 16 minutes, the winger was hauled off by coach Jesmond Zerafa on 32 minutes as part of a double substitution.
Edmond Agius came on for William Barbosa and Ousseni Zongo replaced the visibly distraught Falzon who took off his shirt and hurled it to the ground as he walked towards the tunnel.
Falzon’s gesture instantly raised doubts about his future with Valletta who on Sunday agreed to loan him to Mosta but yesterday morning the 25-year-old winger suffered another setback when he was told by Malta FA technical director Robert Gatt that he had been dropped from the squad over his reaction during Saturday’s game.
Contacted by The Times yesterday, Falzon made a public apology to the City fans for his actions.
“When I walked into the dressing room on Saturday, I immediately realised that I made a mistake,” Falzon said. “Much has been said about my reaction but the truth is I took off the shirt and threw it into the air.
“I lost my composure as I was very frustrated but I regret my actions. I have already said sorry to the Valletta fans on Facebook and I’m making another public apology today. It’s not in my character to make that kind of reaction but I was very disappointed.
“I was so willing to start and give more than my all to show what I can do but everything went wrong in the early stages of the game. We found ourselves 2-0 down and when I was substituted after 30 minutes, I felt a big burden weighing on my shoulders.
“The build-up to the game had been difficult as there was a lot of talk about a potential transfer or loan move to another club and all these rumours only served to increase the pressure on me.
“But, I want to stress that it was not my intention to show disrespect to the Valletta shirt and the fans.”
Having earned a recall to the national squad earlier this month ahead of the February 29 friendly against Liechtenstein, Falzon is disappointed about his demotion but has no complaints.
“I understand the MFA’s decision,” Falzon said.
“I know that national squad players have certain respon-sibilities and are expected to lead by example. I’m disappointed because I was really keen to play for the national team but this episode has given me more motivation to do well for Mosta and regain a place in the Malta squad.
“Robert Gatt told me that he will continue to monitor my performances and that, depen-ding on my progress, I will be considered for selection in the near future.”
This is not the first time that the Malta FA have dropped a player from a national squad for disciplinary reasons.
Last year, Naxxar Lions player Darren Falzon was omitted from the Malta U-21 squad for showing anti-sporting behaviour during a domestic match but he has since been reinstated after serving his punishent.
Dyson Falzon is determined to put his recent disappointments behind him as he looks to rediscover his best form at Mosta where he will be reunited with Steve D’Amato who was his coach during his loan spell with Ħamrun Spartans last season.
“I need to be with a team where I have a better chance of regular football to regain my confidence,” Falzon, who was also courted by Birkirkara, said.
“When you’re out for a number of games, you begin to doubt your capabilities but now I have the chance to get back on track.
“I’m confident that at Mosta, I will find the tranquil environ-ment I need to rediscover my best form. Mosta were my first team and that was also a factor in my decision to accept their offer.”
Transfer coup
Falzon’s loan arrival represents another significant transfer coup by Mosta who also acquired a Serbian midfielder yesterday.
Predrag Mirceta is the fourth foreign player to sign for the Blues this month. Obinna Obiefule and Florent Raimy made their debut for Mosta in the first week of January and Tanzanian striker Zakaria Kibona made his bow in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Xewkija Tigers in the FA Trophy.
The 27-year-old Mirceta, who was on the books of Serbia’s FK Dinamo Vranje, is expected to be available for Mosta’s key league match against Qormi on Friday. Mosta are third from bottom in the Premier League table.
Meanwhile, Valletta are continuing with their policy of giving trials to foreign players. Slovenian midfielder Rok Brezaric, 23, is expected to start a trial with the champions today.
Since the appointment of Antonio Esposito as director general, three players, namely Argentine midfielder Nahuel Pulitano Jimenez (Argentina), Antonio Scozzese, an Italian defender, and Slovenian striker Miha Robic, have started to train with Valletta and all are believed to have left a positive impression so far.