A Hibernians supporter filmed on bodycam shouting abusive language at Tarxien supporters during a Paola derby was convicted. His appeal partially succeeded — one charge was dropped and his fine reduced by €25.
Court of Criminal Appeal · Judge Dr. Consuelo Scerri Herrera LL.D. · 26 March 2026
On 23 September 2025, during a Hibernians versus Tarxien Rainbows match at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola — a match known as the local derby — Hibernians scored late and Andrea Olivia was caught on police bodycam footage standing at the glass barrier, pointing at Tarxien supporters and shouting the words 'f..kemm ghandhom Hal Tarxien' (obscene language directed at Tarxien supporters). Police identified him from the footage and called him to the station where they showed him the video. He was charged with behaving abusively at a sports ground, using obscene and indecent language in public, and breaching public peace and order. The Magistrates Court convicted him on all three charges and fined him €300, also banning him from all football grounds for six months. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal reviewed the bodycam footage itself. It confirmed the conviction on the first two charges — the footage clearly showed abusive and obscene language directed at rival supporters in a public setting. However, the court agreed with the appellant that the third charge (breaching public peace) could not stand — a football derby environment by its nature has no 'public peace' to breach. The third charge was dropped. The fine was reduced slightly from €300 to €275. The six-month stadium ban was confirmed.
Two charges confirmed: abusive behaviour and obscene language at sports ground. Third charge (breach of public peace) dropped — no 'public peace' at a football match. Fine reduced from €300 to €275. Six-month ban from all football grounds confirmed.
Criminal Code Ch. 9 Arts. 338(bb), 338(dd) — obscene language in public, breach of public order; S.L. 10.33 Reg. 7 — sports ground regulations