A Birkirkara football supporter who threw an inflatable banana at rival Hibs FC supporters, provoking a violent reaction at the end of last Saturday’s FA Trophy final, yesterday denied inciting violence at the stadium.

Terence Ciantar, a 32-year-old truck driver from Dingli, was charged with inciting violence, forming part of a group of more than 10 people with the intention of committing a crime, inciting people to commit a crime, disobeying police orders, invading the pitch, throwing objects into the football pitch and offending the police and other security personnel. He was further charged with relapsing.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti heard Mr Ciantar plead not guilty to the charges brought against him.

He was granted bail against a €2,500 personal guarantee and banned from entering or approaching any sports ground until his case is heard and decided by the court.

Police inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted while lawyers David Camilleri and Joseph Gatt appeared for the accused. Birkirkara beat the new league champions to claim the FA trophy.

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