A football fan was yesterday placed on probation for three years and banned from going to a football ground for eight months after admitting that he injured an off-duty police officer who was watching a game.

Simon Azzopardi, 28, from Valletta pleaded guilty to injuring Clive Pace at the national stadium in Ta’ Qali on Saturday during the Birkirkara match against Valletta. The victim was left requiring eight sutures to his right ear.

The attack happened after the victim accidentally bumped into Mr Azzopardi and the latter attacked him.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto, appearing for the victim, said his client had accepted a public apology and was not pushing for the defendant to be jailed.

Lawyer Toni Abela appeared for Mr Azzopardi. Police Inspector Robert Vella prosecuted.

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