Ħamrun Spartans have announced that they will appeal the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner's decision to hand a ten match-ban to their coach Giovanni Tedesco.

The sanctions came after Sunday's controversial FA Trophy clash against Birkirkara, which the latter won 2-1, during which the Spartans felt hard-done by a number of decisions taken by referee Glen Tonna.

At the end of the match, Tedesco protested with the referee on a number of decisions and the Italian was reported by the referee in his match report.

The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner analysed the case and handed the unprecedented sanction to Tedesco who will now be forced to watch the majority of his team's remaining Premier League matches from the stands.

In fact, he will only return for their final fixture against Valletta.

Ħamrun Spartans yesterday issued a statement where they made it clear that they will be filing an appeal.

“Ħamrun Spartans FC will appeal the unprecedented decision to suspend their coach Giovanni Tedesco for ten matches. A decision which gives rise to various interpretations,” the Premier League club said.

“Coach Giovanni Tedesco has the total support of the club’s management. His work at Ħamrun has drawn the respect of one and all including opponents.

“Ħamrun Spartans insist that they are totally concentrated on reaching their objective of a place in a UEFA competition. This suspension will not deviate the work being done by their coaching staff and management to reach this target.”

Goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo, on the other hand, was handed a two-match ban for unruly behaviour at the end of the match against Birkirkara and will now sit out the matches against St Andrews and Tarxien Rainbows.

Elsewhere, Tarxien Rainbows will be without Matthew Spiteri for their quarter-final against Balzan next month after he saw red in his team's 5-0 win over Żebbuġ Rangers on Saturday.