Mellieħa forward Tiago Loquete was fined €1,000 and banned from playing football for nine months after he admitted in court today to having assaulted referee Trustin Farrugia Cann.

The incident took place yesterday afternoon during the BOV Division Two match between promotion candidates Mellieħa and Gudja United. The match was abandoned at half-time after Loquete attacked the referee.

Loquete had been booked for a foul late in the first half. He continued to protest his innocence with the referee as the two teams were making their way to the dressing rooms of the Centenary Stadium.

As Farrugia Cann was about to book Loquete for a second time, which would have resulted in a red card, the Brazilian forward appeared hit the referee, who needed medical attention.

The forward admitted in court to having attacked, slightly injured and threatened the referee. 

The prosecution called for a fine and a ban from football grounds.

Defence lawyer Robert Abela said that while he acknowledged the seriousness of the crime, his client had learnt his lesson, having been arrested and kept under arrest overnight and having been convicted of a crime connected to his sport.

Magistrate Mitiam Hayman imposed a fine of €1,000, and a ban from football grounds for nine months. The player was warned not to approach or speak to the referee, against a personal guarantee of €233.