Two football supporters ended up in court this afternoon charged with slightly injuring a police officer after a heated argument erupted yesterday at the Sirens football pitch in St Paul's Bay.

Matthew Borg, 35 from Siggiewi and Jonathan Urry, 27 from Paola, stand charged with slightly injuring sergeant Anthony Buttigieg, disobeying police orders, breaching public peace and exhibiting abusive behaviour.

The two men are denying the charges brought against them.

The incident occurred after the Marsaxlokk-Santa Lucija football match had ended.

The defence argued that the two accused were actually the victims in the whole scenario and they were the ones being assaulted by other hot-headed supporters.

The police sergeant pulled the two men away, resulting in the three ending up in a heap on the ground.

Lawyer Franco Galea, appearing for Mr Borg, requested bail, arguing that there was no risk of evidence being tampered with and pointed out that the court knew where they worked and lived.

He said he had known his client since their school years and Mr Borg had always been one to calm matters down and to shake hands with the referees and players in good sport.

The prosecution did not object to bail being granted.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli granted the two men bail against a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Police inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Galea, Lucio Sciriha and David Mallia appeared for Mr Borg. Lawyer Victor Scerri is defence counsel for Mr Urry.