The Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) issued a directive to its members yesterday not to officiate the Premier League match involving Mosta FC this weekend.
Mosta were due to face Birkirkara at the Hibs Stadium this afternoon but the game has now been postponed.
The MFRA said they had taken this decision after a lack of response from the MFA and Mosta FC to its previous statement condemning the abuse on social media suffered by its member Malcolm Spiteri from persons connected to Mosta FC following last month’s FA Trophy match against Sliema Wanderers.
The MFRA directive drew a sharp response from the MFA and the Premier Division Standing Committee who both voiced their disapproval for this decision.
“We had made it clear that, if no immediate action was going to be taken by Mosta FC and the Malta FA (the two parties concerned in this issue), the MFRA would consider taking other procedures,” the MFRA said in their statement posted on their Facebook page.
“The MFRA expected the MFA to condemn such behaviour and announce that a probe had been launched but this didn’t happen.
“On the other hand, the attitude shown by Mosta FC was even more serious as, instead of condemning the poor behaviour, they decided to criticise the MFRA for declaring its opinion on the matter.
“We hope that this directive will lead to a period of reflection and all parties concerned ensure that such incidents are not repeated.”
While stressing its steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting the interests of the match officials, the Malta FA rejected the MFRA claims that it had remained passive on the incident, stressing that it had taken immediate action by referring the case to its Disciplinary Board.
“The MFA had instructed its Disciplinary Board to look into comments made by persons who are under the Association’s jurisdiction. All parties concerned must allow this disciplinary process to take its due course,” the governing body said.
“As it has always done, the MFA will not shy away from its responsibility to protect the officials and any other stakeholder in the game and unreservedly condemns any form of abuse.
“With regards to the MFRA’s directive instructing its members not to officiate the BOV Premier League fixture involving Mosta FC this weekend, the MFA feels that this measure was uncalled for and reminds all concerned of the obligations tied to their respective roles.”
On their part, PDSC criticised the action taken by the MFRA as they felt that it did not respect the players, clubs and the structures within the Malta FA.
“The PDSC feel that there are structures to address this issue and therefore they should be given the chance to deal with the case,” it said in a statement.
“If the need arises that these structures are changed or strengthened, these discussions should be made around a table.”
■ The Premier League match between Pembroke and Gżira, scheduled for today at the Hibs Stadium, has now been switched to the Tedesco Stadium. The game kicks off at 6.30pm.