It was the 93rd minute, and Floriana was drawing 1-1 with Hamrun Spartans. The tension at the Floriana Stadium was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Then, it happened. A long ball from Floriana’s defence, a scramble in the box, and the ball crossed the line. Goal! Floriana wins 2-1, and with it, the Premier League title. But was it a goal, or a handball?

Replay: The Hand of God?

The incident has sparked a debate that’s divided Malta’s football fans. Replays show Floriana’s striker, Amadou Samb, handling the ball before it crossed the line. The referee, however, didn’t spot it, and the goal stood. The question on everyone’s lips: Was it a case of ‘Hand of God’ – a reference to Diego Maradona’s infamous goal in the 1986 World Cup?

Floriana: Champions or Cheats?

Floriana’s fans are jubilant. “We’ve waited 35 years for this,” said Joe, a lifelong Floriana supporter. “I don’t care how it came, we’re champions!” But Hamrun fans are furious. “It’s a disgrace,” said Mario, a Hamrun supporter. “They cheated their way to the title.”

The Malta Football Association (MFA) has been inundated with complaints. They’ve promised to review the incident but maintain that the referee’s decision stands until otherwise proven.

Malta’s Footballing Past: A History of Controversy

This isn’t the first time Malta’s football has been rocked by controversy. In 2011, a goal by Birkirkara against Valletta was disallowed after the referee claimed he heard a whistle, although none was blown. Fans still argue about that decision today.

But this time, it’s different. Social media is ablaze with debate. Hashtags like #HandOfSamb and #FlorianaCheats are trending. Even Malta’s politicians have weighed in, with some calling for reform of the MFA.

What Next for Malta’s Football?

Floriana will be crowned champions, but the controversy won’t go away. The MFA has promised changes, but will they be enough? . One thing’s for sure, though: Malta’s football fans will be arguing about this for years to come.

As Floriana’s fans celebrate and Hamrun’s fans mourn, one thing unites them: their passion for the beautiful game. And that, perhaps, is the real winner here.