A San Ġiljan waterpolo player was conditionally discharged for three years after he admitted to throwing a flying kick aimed at the Neptunes team doctor in a fight that broke out during a match.

Ranier Scerri, 22, of Sliema, admitted to attempting to seriously injure Neptunes doctor Stefano Camilleri on August 28 at the National Pool in Tal-Qroqq, Msida.

Mr Scerri was involved in a fight between the rival teams just after a vital derby match ended in a 16-13 win for Neptunes, which managed to score three goals in the last 90 seconds.

Mr Scerri also pleaded guilty to breaching the peace.

Apart from the conditional discharge, Magistrate Saviour Demicoli fined him €700, noting that Mr Scerri had filed an early guilty plea and apologised for his actions.

The court also ordered Mr Scerri against a personal guarantee of €1,000 not to approach any sports-related facilities for five months and not to bother Dr Camilleri.

Another three players were arraigned in connection with the fight: Dean Camilleri, 30 and Karl Galea, 29, both San Ġiljan waterpolo players, and 23-year-old Steve Camilleri, who plays for Neptunes.

They are pleading not guilty to making threats, using vulgar language and throwing objects during the fight.

Following the fight, the three San Ġiljan waterpolo players were suspended and fined by the Aquatic Sports Association which also ordered the club to stop Mr Camilleri and Mr Scerri from officially representing the club.

San Ġiljan club was fined and had two points deducted.

Dr Camilleri was suspended for one game and fined for remaining on the pool deck while Neptunes club was fined €116 in connection with the obscene language used.

Lawyers Stephen Tonna Lowell and Gianluca Caruana Curran appeared for the three San Ġiljan players.

Lawyer George Hyzler appeared for Mr Camilleri.