Gilbert Agius has been ruled out of Valletta's top-of-the-table clash with leaders Qormi later this month after being hit with a two-match ban following his dismissal in last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Sliema Wanderers.

The Valletta and Malta captain was shown a straight red by referee Paul Caruana following a reckless tackle on Sliema striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza early in the second half of Sunday's match.

The Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner came down heavily on Agius whose two-match suspension makes him ineligible for Saturday's Premier League match against Msida St Joseph as well as the eagerly-awaited encounter with Qormi on January 16.

Three other Premier League players were handed a one-match ban yesterday.

Birkirkara's versatile midfielder Shaun Bajada, currently recovering from a minor injury, will have to skip his side's match against bottom side Dingli Swallows on Saturday.

Floriana have suffered a double blow ahead of their important game against Ħamrun Spartans on Sunday after Clifton Ciantar and Christian Caruana were suspended for one match.

The Greens duo have been punished after they collected their fourth yellow card in Monday's 2-1 defeat to Tarxien Rainbows.

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