Terence Ciantar, 32, from Dingli, this morning was charged with provoking a fight between Birkirkara and Hibs supporters on Saturday by throwing an inflatable banana at supporters of the opposing team.

Scuffles broke out as supporters from both sides invaded the pitch after the final whistle, which saw Birkirkara clinch the FA Trophy with a 2-0 win. Mr Ciantar was among a number of Birkirkara fans involved in the incident.

He was accused of inciting violence, forming part of a group of more than ten people with the intention of committing a crime, inciting people to commit a crime, disobeying police orders, invading the pitch and throwing objects into the ground and offending the police. He was also charged with relapsing. Mr Ciantar, who said he works as a truck driver, pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,500. The accused was ordered to sign the bail book once a week and ordered not to go near any sports grounds. Lawyers David Camilleri and Joseph Gatt appeared for Mr Ciantar. Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted.