Valletta FC has confirmed that it will appeal the six-match ban handed to Portuguese forward Diogo Tavares, describing the decision as “not only baffling but very concerning and outrightly ridiculous.” The club reaffirmed its commitment to defending the player and seeking a fair review of the incident.
Tavares, who joined Valletta last week, received the sanction from the Malta Football Association Disciplinary Commissioner after being shown a straight red card by referee Ishmael Barbara during Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Floriana. The dismissal was issued following an incident in which Tavares was penalised for elbowing Floriana midfielder Zach Scerri.
In its official statement, Valletta FC said: “We respect the game, its rules, and its institutions. But respect must be reciprocal. Fairness, context, and objectivity are non-negotiable values in football.” The club added: “For these reasons, the Club will be appealing this decision without hesitation. We will stand by our player, defend his character, and pursue what we believe is the only acceptable outcome: a fair and objective review of the facts.” Valletta FC concluded by noting that it “shall not comment further on this matter, pending the appeal hearing.”
