Zebbug, Gharb Clash Abandoned as Referee Is Hit by Water Bottle

GFA BOV GFL Division II
Kercem Ajax Stadium

Zebbug R: 0

Saliba, C. Bugeja, P. Cardona (G. Portelli), P. Camilleri, M. Formosa, A. Zammit, C. Borg, P. Falzon, C. Vella, I. Igwemeke, E. Nkwocha.

Gharb R: 1    (S. Fidelis 32’)

Mercieca, R. Vella, C. Gafa, M. Vella, J. Azzopardi, Cr. Attard, D. Bellotti (R. Zammit), J. Muscat, J. Camenzuli, S. Fidelis, P.A. Attard.

Match abandoned 72’: referee hit by water bottle

The main match from the lower category of the weekend ended on a disappointing note as it was abandoned less than twenty minutes away from the end of regular time as the referee was hit by a water bottle thrown from the stands.  It was also a great disappointment to see that actions by irresponsible individuals are at the expense of all those who are genuinely involved in sporting events such as supporters, players and officials.

In this match Gharb seemed in a better position to win the full points at stake as they produced more scoring opportunities, they were playing the last minutes of the match with two more players on the field and above all they were leading the encounter by a goal scored during the first period.  However, Zebbug failed to live up to the importance of the match as they struggled to produce good play.  The Rovers remained in contention during the playing time of this encounter mainly due to two important saves from two penalties by their goalkeeper Baskal Saliba.  Otherwise, in the remaining minutes, Zebbug were nervous and also ended up with two players sent off.  This match was considered as a direct clash for the top of the table as both Zebbug and Gharb could have earned sole leadership with a victory from this encounter.

Gharb had the wind blowing in their favour during the first half and during the opening minutes they had at least two good scoring opportunities but in the two separate occasions Saviour Fidelis headed wide from close distance.  On 18 minutes Gharb’s Paul Anthony Attard entered the area but had his close ranged attempt that was blocked by goalie Baskal Saliba.  Zebbug replied five minutes later through a free kick by Patrick Camilleri that was partially saved by goalie Nicholas Mercieca and Dylan Bellotti cleared the danger form the goalmouth.  On 27 minutes Gharb were awarded a penalty for a foul by Patrick Camilleri on Dylan Bellotti but Saviour Fidelis had his shot from the spot kick saved by Zebbug’s goalie Baskal Saliba.  Zebbug went again close to scoring two minutes later when Anthony Zammit headed inside the area a free kick from long distance by Patrick Camilleri but Ikechukwu Igwemeke concluded wide from close distance.  Gharb opened the score on 32 minutes when Saviour Fidelis entered Zebbug’s area following a counter break and fired in goal as he came face to face with the goalkeeper.

After the break Gharb continued to enjoy more possession and on 48 minutes they were dangerous through a shot from an angled position by Paul Anthony Attard that was saved to a corner by goalie Baskal Saliba.  On 61 minutes Zebbug were reduced to ten players when Patrick Camilleri was sent off for a second bookable offence.  One minute later Gharb’s goalie Nicholas Mercieca left his position in time to take the ball before Zebbug’s Ikechukwu Igwemeke could arrive to hit from close distance.  On 66 minutes Zebbug were again dangerous through a free kick by Patrick Falzon that ended high.  One minute later Gharb were awarded a second penalty, in this occasion for a foul by substitute George Portelli on Paul Anthony Attard, and once again Saviour Fidelis had his shot from the spot kick that was saved by Zebbug’s goalie Baskal Saliba.  On 69 minutes Zebbug had Anthony Zammit who was sent off for gestures towards the supporters and on 72 minutes the referee abandoned the match when he was hit in his hands by a water bottle thrown from the spectator’s stand.

Referee: Andrea Sciriha