Imagine the scene at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium. The referee’s whistle echoes, signaling the end of the match. Floriana fans erupt in jubilation, while their opponents, Ħamrun Spartans, stare in disbelief. The scoreboard reads 1-0, but the goal that won Floriana the Premier League title is anything but straightforward.

The controversial goal came in the 88th minute, a header from Floriana’s Amadou Mbengue. Ħamrun’s goalkeeper, Manuel Bartolo, claimed he was fouled before the ball hit the back of the net. The referee, however, waved play on, sparking a storm of protests from Ħamrun fans and players. Replays showed a slight push on Bartolo, but was it enough to warrant a foul?

Floriana’s win at Ħamrun’s expense was a shock to many. Ħamrun were leading the table by a comfortable margin before the final matchday. Floriana, on the other hand, were fourth, needing a miracle to snatch the title. That miracle came in the form of Mbengue’s goal, but Ħamrun and their fans argue it was a stolen miracle.

Ħamrun’s coach, Andrea Pisanu, was vocal in his displeasure, “It’s a shame. We deserved to win the league. We were robbed.” Floriana’s coach, Giovanni Tedesco, however, was delighted, “We fought till the end and we were rewarded. I’m proud of my players.”

The Malta Football Association (MFA) has since released a statement, standing by the referee’s decision. They stated that the referee had a clear view of the incident and deemed it not worthy of a foul. Ħamrun, however, have threatened to appeal the decision, keeping the controversy alive.

This isn’t the first time a contentious goal has decided the Premier League title in Malta. In 2017, a last-minute goal from Valletta against Ħamrun sparked similar outrage. But this time, the stakes are higher. Ħamrun were on the cusp of their first title in 25 years. Floriana, meanwhile, are celebrating their 27th title, their first since 2010.