The Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner yesterday handed a one-match ban to nine BOV Premier League players who will skip their respective teams’ fixtures this coming weekend.
Birkirkara will be without midfielder Paul Fenech and stand-in goalkeeper Ini Etim Akpan for the clash against the in-form Floriana on Sunday. Mosta will also have two players banned – Gary Roberts and Dyson Falzon – for their match against fellows-in-distress Zebbug on Saturday.
Sliema Wanderers duo Pedro Calcado and Marko Potezica are suspended for the match against Balzan who will have to do without wing-back Justin Grioli.
Potezica saw red in Sliema’s match against Birkirkara which the Stripes won 4-2.
The disciplinary measure to sanction Calcado was taken after the latter apparently elbowed opponent Kurt Zammit late in the match, an incident that escaped the eyes of the referee.
On Sunday, Qormi face Naxxar Lions in a relegation six-pointer without striker Alfred Effiong.
The other player slapped with a one-match ban yesterday was Eduardo Vallecillo, of Tarxien Rainbows.
Tarxien play league leaders Hibernians in the derby on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Mosta will have kit manager Victor Vella away from the bench for two matches.
In stoppage time of last week’s match against Qormi, Vella was ejected from the pitch for passing remarks towards the opponents.
Birkirkara will be without their physical trainer Vincenzo Cestaro for their next match as he has to serve a suspension.