I refer to the article “Seeing Red” (TMIS, 4 November).

Air Malta strongly rebuts the allegations made in this article that it could be the reason why some advertised names such as Paolo Rossi, Ian Rush and Paulo Di Canio failed to come to Malta. These players, who were expected to take part in the England vs Italy legends match, failed to turn up at the game.

The airline was in constant contact with the organisers of the event and assigned a staff member to assist the organisers with flight bookings. It is pertinent to note that Ian Rush was booked on a particular flight but failed to turn up at check-in. The names of other players including Paolo Rossi and Paolo Di Canio were never forwarded to Air Malta to book them on any of its flights.

It is a pity that the article tries to raise doubts about Air Malta in circumstances in which it was not to blame.

Stephen Gauci

Executive Communications

Air Malta plc