The synthetic surface at the Corradino Sports Pavilion was badly scarred this week when fans of one of the two teams contesting the Division One championship decider invaded the pitch and threw burning flares that led to scuffles and the game being abandoned.

With seven minutes to go, European Pilot Academy, a team made up of Serbian residents, scored their fourth goal of the night to cut the deficit to two against Scandals.

Informed sources told The Times that at this point, the EPA fans lit flares and ran onto the pitch.

The game came to a standstill and after the perpetrators had returned to the stands, the pavilion was engulfed in thick smoke. Flares were thrown on the pitch causing irreparable damage to the synthetic surface.

There were more than 300 spectators present for Thursday night's programme which also included another championship decider but for Division Two teams. Despite the high turn-out, there were no security officers around and the Police were called to intervene and restore order.

The match was abandoned but not before some opposing fans traded insults and blows. One of those who tried to calm things down was Malta Futsal coach Michael Striz. However, the Czech coach was punched by one of the EPA supporters while running away from the scene.

Police are believed to have made some arrests but the Malta FA was criticised by those present as no extra security measures were taken ahead of the two decisive matches in the five-a-side football competitions under its responsibility.

In the Division Two title play-off, Pentagon beat Clarion 8-7 on penalties after a 4-4 draw.