San Ġiljan fans hurl objects at referee after water polo match

A water polo match ended in chaos on Wednesday night after San Ġiljan fans hurled objects at the referee. 

The incident unfolded after Italian referee Fabio Brasiliano awarded Sliema a penalty with 17 seconds remaining in the Premier League match.

He ruled that a challenge warranted a five-metre throw rather than an exclusion in a decison that sparked protest from the San Ġiljan bench and supporters.

Sliema's Alberto Barroso converted the penalty to secure victory. 

Following the final whistle, a section of San Ġiljan supporters thew objects from the stands towards Brasiliano and shouted abuse at him as he attempted to leave the National Pool. The refereee had to be escorted from the venue.  

San Ġiljan later condemned the behaviour, describing the throwing of objects as "unacceptable", while acknowledging the frustration felt by supporters over the officiating. 

The club said there could be "no justification" for actions that compromise the safety and integrity of the game.

"Our Club has always stood for the highest values of sport, including respect for match officials, opponents, and the rules of the game, even when decisions are perceived to be unfair or unfavourable. These principles must continue to guide us, especially during difficult moments,” San Ġiljan ASC said.

San Ġiljan supporters had argued that Elijah Schembri had both a defender in front of him and another behind him, making an exclusion the appropriate sanction.