A soldier who was participating in a friendly football match between Msida St Joseph and Senglea Athletics was on Saturday charged with seriously injuring a player when he allegedly kicked him in the face after, he claims, being fouled.

Charles Sciberras, 35, from Mosta, was participating in the friendly football match at St Aloysius College football ground on Friday afternoon.

He is being charged with seriously injuring Simon Aquilina after allegedly kicking him in the face. The accused is claiming that he had been fouled just before the incident.

Mr Sciberras was also charged with committing a crime he was duty bound to prevent. Magistrate Dennis Montebello granted the man bail against a personal guarantee of Lm500.

Police Inspector Kevin Farrugia prosecuted. Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Ian Farrugia appeared for the accused.