Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi has turned his guns against political opponents defending his own party leader Adrian Delia.

In a post on Facebook, Azzopardi says that it never happens that “opponents” defend a leader of the opposing side. Although he does not mention names, it is a clear reference to the situation being faced by Delia.

He compared the situation to football, explaining that rival teams do not defend or advise their opponents’ coach.

He adds that this only happens “if there is a hidden agreement to defend their common interests”.

Azzopardi was evidently referring to situations when exponents of the Labour Party have defended the position of PN leader Delia who is facing calls for resignation after his estranged wife filed separation proceedings, claiming domestic abuse which Delia is denying.

PN deputy leader Robert Arrigo has hit back at Azzopardi, albeit in an indirect manner.

But, using the same football analogy, Arrigo said that one could be on opposing sides and still praise one's rivals.

He said that he was president of two football clubs for 14 years, and he used to meet presidents of competing clubs regularly, also praising them for their efforts.

Still, he said, at the end of the day the aim was still to beat them "in the next game".

Arrigo goes on to speak of the importance of unity - a clear jibe at Azzopardi - "because when there was unity, there was strength to win."

 

 

Mario Galea, another nationalist MP, also entered the debate with a comment on Facebook, using football to pass on his message. 

Everyone can commit own goals, he writes, but the important thing is that these are not committed on purpose.