Valletta FC Condemns Opposition Player’s Comments Towards Fans
Valletta FC has strongly condemned what it described as “deeply offensive and disparaging” comments directed at its supporters by an opposing player following yesterday’s semifinal clash, after the remarks were broadcast live on national television.
In a strongly worded statement issued after the match, the club said football is founded on passion and rivalry, but stressed that there is no place for behaviour that shows contempt or disrespect towards supporters.
“Football is built on passion and rivalry. However, there can never be any place for conduct which shows contempt or disrespect towards supporters, the very people who give life to our game,” the club said.
While acknowledging that emotions often run high after matches of such intensity, Valletta said the comments “fall far below the standards expected from any player”, adding that this was particularly concerning given the individual’s status as a representative of the Malta national football team.
The club made it clear, however, that it considers the incident to be the sole responsibility of the player involved and said it does not associate the actions with his club.
Valletta has now formally called on the Malta Football Association to investigate the matter and take any action it deems necessary to uphold the values of respect and sportsmanship within Maltese football.
“We therefore call upon the Malta Football Association to investigate the matter and take any steps it deems appropriate in order to safeguard the values of respect and sportsmanship which football must continue to uphold,” the statement read.
Despite the controversy, Valletta also took time to praise the officiating team led by Slobodan Petrović, describing the referee’s management of what it called an “intense and emotionally charged encounter” as being of an “excellent standard throughout”.
The club concluded its statement with a firm message in defence of its fanbase, saying: “Our supporters deserve respect. Always.”
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