Italian media this morning rose in defence of Birkirkara’s Italian player Fabrizio Miccoli, scorer of the solitary goal which gave the Stripes a victory which will remain in the hearts of their supporters for years to come.

The victory was not enough for Birkirkara to qualify.

According to Italian media, West Ham’s Noble insulted the diminutive striker by puffing up his cheeks to mimic a “fat” guy.

The action was captured on television and still shots were published on tgcom.it this morning.

The media described the West Ham player’s gesture as “an insult on live tv”.