A magistrate cleared four bouncers of badly injuring a former football player who had told a witness he was “after financial compensation”.

Jeffrey Chetcuti, who used to play for the national squad, was injured during an incident outside the Havana, in Paceville, on June 5, 2008.

Later, Brian Bellotti, 31, Renard Tabone, 37, Graeme McKay, 34, and Marflene Cricchiola, 29, were charged with beating him.

Mr Chetcuti told the court he was walking down the steps of the nightclub when a group of Italians made a pass at his friend, Elaine Theuma, and he was suddenly pushed down the stairs. He said he was then kicked in the face and his nose and a tooth were broken.

Ms Theuma testified she did not recall anyone pushing Mr Chetcuti down the stairs.

Magistrate Carol Peralta heard the bouncers give a totally different version of what had happened, insisting that Mr Chetcuti had lost his step and stumbled down the stairs.

Faced by the two conflicting versions, the magistrate said he was inclined to clear the bouncers of the charges. His made his decision also on the basis of the testimony of a witness for the defence, David Flores, who told the court Mr Chetcuti had told him he was “after financial compensation”.

As a result, the court ruled what had happened was “completely accidental”.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted. Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for the bouncers.