Four Birkirkara players have been given hefty suspensions and fined after the fracas at the end of the Super Cup match against Valletta last month.

Moreover, two Valletta FC committee members, Sandro Giliberti and Vincent Tabone respectively, were suspended from all football activities for two years and another member, Kevin Gauci, was suspended one month and fined €25. Former team manager Niki Saliba was acquitted of the charges brought against him, while another committee member, Sergio Zampa, still has to face the charges as at present he is abroad.

The Control and Disciplinary Board also thought it fit to fine the clubs €800 each.

The four Birkirkara players are Serbian defender Nikola Vukanac who has received a three-match ban, midfielders Sean Bajada and Paul Fenech and defender Patrick Borg – all are suspended two matches each.

Moreover, Vukanac was fined €200, Patrick Borg €150 and Bajada and Fenech €100 each.

On their part, Valletta had no players suspended as these were not involved in the brawl as they were still on the field of play waiting for their turn to get their medals and the trophy.

At the end of the match, as the Birkirkara players were walking up the steps towards the VIP area for the presentation of their medals, a free-for-all ensued which also involved some committee members of Valletta FC.

Because of the fact that the Super Cup only involves one match, the suspensions have to be served in the Premier League.

This means that the champions will have to start this season with this severe handicap. Vukanac will miss the matches against Sliema (next Monday), Floriana and Hibernians, while the other three players will be unavailable for the matches against Sliema and Floriana.

Both Birkirkara and Valletta are thought to be considering appealing these decisions taken by the Board of the association.