Maltese international basketball referee Bernard Vassallo was injured after he was accidentally elbowed by a player soon after the jump-ball at a European Under 18 championship game.

Vassallo was injured last Wednesday at the start of the match between Belgium and Romania.

Vassallo, who was the main referee in the game, being held in Oradea in Romania, was hit in the face by one of the players.

With blood streaking down his face, Vassallo stopped the game and needed medical attention. He was taken to hospital for further treatment.

In an email sent to The Malta Independent, Vassallo said that he was released from hospital that same evening and can resume his refereeing duties in the next few days.