Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/764316
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2016 55 Sport FOOTBALL Birkirkara-Mosta match postponed following directive issued by Referees' association Following offensive social media comments made by members of Mosta FC targeting referee Malcolm Spiteri, the MFRA has issued a directive to referees not to officiate in Mosta's Premier League matches until next Monday 19th of December. WARREN ZAMMIT MALCOLM Spiteri was in charge of the FA trophy match between Mosta and Sliema Wanderers which ended 3-2 in favour of the Wander- ers. In that match, Sliema came from two goals down to secure a place in the next round. Following the match, Mosta blamed the referee's decisions for such scenario. The MFRA noticed that four peo- ple related to Mosta FC used social media to insult and offend Malcolm Spiteri. They made particular refer- ence to his mother who had passed away. According to the MFRA, these people were Adrian Farrugia (fi- nance manager), Robert Frendo (kit manager), Owen Vella (club official) and Bryan Agius (Ex Mosta player and supporter). In their statement, the MFRA asked Mosta FC and the Malta Foot- ball Association to take disciplinary action against these people. Accord- ing to this statement, failing to do so will mean that both Mosta and the MFA are approving of this behav- iour. At that moment, they pointed out that they were convinced that this was not the case. Two weeks passed from this in- cident and the MFRA stated that no action was taken and asked its members not to officiate in this weekend's match between Mosta and Birkirkara which is due to be played on Sunday at the Hibernians stadium. In their reaction, the MFA pub- lished a statement saying that the association have always safeguard- ed the interests of match officials which has resulted in new opportu- nities and achievements in the refer- eeing sector. The MFA also argued that they always take disciplinary actions against those who show lack of respect towards match officials in competitions organised by the as- sociation. Regarding this particular incident, the MFA stated that they took im- mediate action as the disciplinary board is currently investigating comments made by those who fall under the association's jurisdiction. The MFA continued by saying that it will not shy away from its respon- sibility to protect the match officials and any other stake holder in the game. The MFA unreservedly con- demned any form of abuse. In relation to the directive issued by the MFRA, the MFA stated that this measure was uncalled for and reminded all concerned of the obli- gations tied to their respective roles. In a final note, the MFA stated that internal discussions are still going on and will pursue further discus- sions with all parties concerned. The MFA issued another state- ment this evening stating that the mentioned match between Birkirkara and Mosta is postponed and will be played in the coming days. Malcolm Spiteri Chelsea strengthen grip at top CHELSEA strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League as they claimed a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. Diego Costa headed his 13th goal of the season from Cesar Azpili- cueta's cross in the 44th minute to move Antonio Conte's side nine points clear of nearest rivals Liver- pool and Arsenal. The win equalled a club-record run of 11 consecutive league vic- tories - a run which stretches back to the 2009/10 season. But the vic- tory came at a cost, however, as Costa and N'Golo Kante will both miss the Boxing Day clash with Bournemouth after the duo picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's double moved Manchester United level on points with fifth-placed Tot- tenham after a 2-0 win at West Brom. The in-form Swede nodded home Jesse Lingard's cross after five minutes before scoring his second in the 56th minute as Jose Mour- inho's side extended their unbeat- en league run to eight games. Ten-man Leicester came from two goals down to seal a dramat- ic 2-2 draw against Stoke at the bet365 Stadium. Jamie Vardy was shown a straight red card in the 28th min- ute by referee Craig Pawson for a two-footed challenge on Mame Biram Diouf. Moments later, Bojan Krkic gave the Potters the lead from the penalty spot after Danny Simpson handled the Spaniard's cross. Leicester, who had five men booked in the opening 45 minutes, saw their saw afternoon go from bad to worse when Stoke doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Gianelli Imbula's effort struck the post before falling into the path of Joe Allen to tap-in. Leonardo Ulloa put the visi- tors back into contention with his first touch before Daniel Amartey scored his first goal for the club in the 88th minute as the Foxes claimed only their second point away from home this season. Alvaro Negredo scored twice as Middlesbrough claimed a 3-0 win over struggling Swansea. The former Manchester City striker scored both goals in the first-half before Marten de Roon added a third. Swansea have now conceded 37 goals this season, heaping more pressure on boss Bob Bradley. Mark Noble scored his second penalty in successive games as West Ham secured back-to-back wins for the first time since Oc- tober with a 1-0 win over luckless Hull. Hull hit the woodwork three and dropped to the bottom of the table as the Hammers managed to hold on for all three points at the Lon- don Stadium. Sunderland climbed off the bot- tom of the table with a 1-0 victory over Watford at the Stadium of Light. Patrick van Aanholt's second- half strike left David Moyes' side a point off 17th-placed Crystal Pal- ace. Diego Costa celebrates his goal