Hibs’ Brazilian forward Marcelo Dias will have to miss the crunch clash with current Premier League leaders Valletta next month after being handed a two-match ban yesterday.

Dias was suspended after seeing red in Sunday’s 5-0 victory over Birkirkara following an altercation with Andrew Decesare who was also hit with a two-match ban over his dismissal.

The suspension has ruled Dias out of Hibs’ game against Balzan Youths tomorrow and their eagerly-awaited match against rivals and champions Valletta on January 7.

Decesare was not the only Birkirkara player to be sanctioned yesterday as Brazilian defender Rodrigo Pereira received a one-match ban following his sending-off in Sunday’s defeat.

Valletta defender Steve Borg will not face Mosta, his former club, on Saturday after getting a one-match ban for four yellow cards. The same applies to Mosta duo Ian Zammit, the on-loan Valletta forward, and captain Bryan Agius who both collected their fourth booking in the Blues’ 1-0 victory over Balzan Youths on Friday.

Marsaxlokk captain Carlo Mamo and Tarxien’s Carl Sammut were also banned for one match for four yellow cards.

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