Floriana to appeal ban on racist abuse against Sta Lucia goalkeeper Archibald

MFA say perpetrator will be charged in the coming days

Floriana FC announced that they are planning to appeal against the Malta FA ruling that condemned the club to a suspended three-point deduction and a €3,000 fine after a Floriana fan aimed racist abuse at Sta Lucia goalkeeper Julani Archibald in a Premier League match last August.

On the other hand, the Malta FA announced that fan has now been identified by the police and is expected to face charges in court.

“The Malta FA is informed that the perpetrator in this case has been identified. Police charges have been issued against him and the person will appear in court in the coming days,” the local governing body of football said. 

“The Malta FA strongly condemns any discriminatory or racist behaviour and will continue to lead the fight against racism and discrimination in the game of football.”

Floriana FC said that while they reiterate their strong stance against any form of discrimination they said that they appreciated the statement issued by Sta Lucia earlier on Friday that warned that the MFA judgement could pose a serious precedent.

“Floriana Football Club refers to the decision taken by the MFA Control and Disciplinary Board to fine the club €3,000 and impose a suspended three-point deduction till the end of the season,” the club said in a statement.

“Floriana Football Club remarks that it had immediately condemned and distanced itself from the unacceptable behaviour of one person who purchased online tickes to enter the Floriana stands at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

“The club reiterates the position that racist abuse goes against its values. Floriana Football Club believes that, under no circumstances, can discriminatory acts be tolerated.

“The club points out that its strong stand against any form of racism had resulted in new guidelines and regulations issued by the Malta Football Association for the future of local football.

“Floriana Football Club also notes the bold statement issued by Santa Lucia FC itself which confirms that the judgement delivered by the MFA Control and Disciplinary Board sets a precedent for abuses by individuals whose intentions may go beyond the good of the game and ultimately to the detriment of the clubs.

“Floriana FC expresses its sincere appreciation towards Santa Lucia president Robert Micallef for this public declaratioin and towards other club presidents who have expressed their disagreement at the decision taken by the MFA Control and Disciplinary Board.

“After having evaluated the reasoning of the MFA Controla and Disciplinary Board, Floriana FC has already initiated the process to submit an appeal to the decision within the structures of the Malta Football Association and is also reserving the right to defend its position in front of the relevant international bodies.”

The club ended the statement by urging its members to hold their heads high and keep backing the team with integrity, respect and good behaviour, as from Saturday evening in the team’s important match against Mosta.