Floriana’s Winning Goal Under Scrutiny: Marsaxlokk Files Protest

In the heart of Floriana, the usually bustling Merchant Street was unusually quiet this morning. The red and white flags that had been proudly displayed after Floriana’s dramatic win over Marsaxlokk on Sunday were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a sense of unease hung in the air, as whispers of a protest echoed through the cobbled streets. Marsaxlokk FC has filed an official protest to nullify Floriana’s winning goal, casting a shadow over the Greens’ title hopes.

Goal in Question

The goal in question came in the 89th minute of Sunday’s match at the Hibernians Stadium. Floriana’s Brazilian striker, Bruno Domingos, chipped the ball over Marsaxlokk’s keeper, sparking wild celebrations among the Floriana fans. However, Marsaxlokk claims that the goal should not have stood due to an alleged offside position of the Floriana player who provided the assist.

Replays of the incident have been circulating on social media, with fans and pundits alike divided. Some argue that the Floriana player was indeed in an offside position, while others contend that the ball was played to him from a Marsaxlokk player, making him onside.

Marsaxlokk’s Protest

Marsaxlokk FC has submitted a formal protest to the Malta Football Association (MFA), arguing that the referee’s assistant failed to raise his flag for an offside position. The club has requested that the goal be disallowed and the match be replayed. If the protest is successful, Floriana’s 2-1 win would be overturned, and the teams would have to meet again to decide the crucial three points.

This is not the first time Marsaxlokk has lodged a protest this season. In October, they protested a goal scored by Sliema Wanderers, but the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner ruled in favor of Sliema. Marsaxlokk will be hoping for a different outcome this time around.

Floriana’s Response

Floriana FC has maintained that the goal was perfectly legitimate and that they are confident in the referee’s decision. In a statement released earlier today, the club stated, “We are surprised by Marsaxlokk’s protest but we respect the process. We are confident that the goal was valid and that justice will prevail.”

The club’s fans have been vocal in their support, with many taking to social media to express their frustration. “We worked so hard for that win,” said one Floriana fan, “It’s not fair to take it away from us like this.”

The MFA is expected to make a decision on Marsaxlokk’s protest within the next seven days. If the protest is successful, the match will be replayed, with the date and venue yet to be confirmed. Floriana currently tops the BOV Premier League table, but their lead is now precarious. A win for Marsaxlokk could see them climb to second place, setting up a thrilling title race.

In the meantime, Floriana will have to put the uncertainty behind them as they prepare to face Mosta this Sunday. The Greens will be looking to secure all three points and maintain their position at the top of the table, regardless of the outcome of Marsaxlokk’s protest.