The Malta Waterpolo Referees Association announced today that referees will not be officiating matches involving Sliema ASC teams after the lack of trust shown by the club during the recent BOV National League play-off final against Neptunes.
The Sliema clan harshly criticised referee Peter Balzan after the first game of the play-off final which the Blues lost to Neptunes 15-14. The second game was officiated by two Italian referees, and it was also won by Neptunes to be crowned champions for the 26th time.
In a statement the referees’ body said that they were offended by Sliema ASC’s lack of trust in Maltese officials and said they will not officiate any matches involving the club, including the senior team, junior teams and the women’s team.
“The Malta Water Polo Referees Association (‘the Association’) makes reference to the lack of trust which Sliema ASC has recently shown in the Association, going so far as to demand that no Maltese referees officiate in the final matches of the Premier Division of the 2019 Summer League.
“The request appears to be motivated by insinuations which can be very serious, and which the Malta Water Polo Referees Association does not take lightly. In fact, the association deplores and condemns not only the lack of trust shown in it, but more so the serious and vexatious allegations made towards it and its members.
“The association cannot and will not render its services to a club creating such a hostile climate and making such grave allegations.
“The association therefore hereby announces that is shall not officiate any matches of Sliema ASC teams, be they senior, age-group of women’s teams. This stand is to commence with immediate effect and shall remain so indefinitely.”