Labour leader fractures ankle at August Moon Ball

Labour Leader Joseph Muscat fractured his right ankle while dancing with Mrs Muscat during Saturday’s August Moon Ball at San Anton Palace.

The news of the fracture was broken by the Labour Party in a statement yesterday morning.

Guests at the ball who spoke to The Times were not aware of the incident and did not notice that anything was wrong with the Opposition leader.

In fact, an aide said Dr Muscat had twisted his ankle but thought it was something minor and stayed on till the end of the ball at around 1 a.m.

However, he woke up yesterday morning to find his right ankle swollen. He had it checked at Mater Dei Hospital and was told he had a hairline fracture.

His mobility will be limited for a number of weeks.

The ball was under the patronage of President George Abela, who in May suffered a back injury while on an official visit to China.

During the ball, Dr Abela thanked those who supported the Malta Community Chest Fund and wished former president Guido de Marco, who is currently in hospital, a speedy recovery.