The fading hopes of St Andrew’s to avoid relegation from the BOV Premier League this month suffered a blow yesterday when their coach Jose Borg was handed a hefty ten-match touchline ban by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner.

Borg was dismissed from his team’s dug-out by referee Malcolm Spiteri in the final minutes of Sunday’s league match against Birkir-kara which the Stripes won 3-1.

Action was taken against Borg following a referee’s summary in which the coach was reported to have passed defamatory remarks towards the match officials after the Saints were not awarded a penalty for a foul on striker Solomon Wisdom four minutes from time.

On Sunday, St Andrew’s team manager Denis Guerra was also sent to the dressing rooms by referee Spiteri for dissent. Yesterday, Swiss Guerra was handed a three-match ban.

Sources told Times of Malta that the St Andrew’s FC committee were due to discuss the situation as they also have to find replacements for Borg and Guerra on the bench ahead of Saturday’s match against Sliema Wanderers.

It seems they intend to challenge the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner’s ruling on Borg and could lodge an appeal against the decision.

City without key duo

Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Valletta will be without two key defenders for Sunday’s crucial clash against Birkirkara.

Brazilian wing-back Romeo Romau, who saw red in the 2-0 derby upset to Floriana last weekend, and central defender Jonathan Caruana, who picked his fourth booking during the same match, were both handed a one-match ban.

Third-placed Balzan will be without defender Clive Brincat for their must-win clash against champions Hibernians on Saturday as he was also banned for one match.

Pembroke Athleta’s Paltemio Barbetti was suspended for two matches after seeing red in the 1-1 draw against Naxxar Lions.

The other Premier League players handed a one-match ban yesterday were Tarxien duo Carlos Hevia and Ebiabowei Baker and Emanuel Briffa, of Floriana.