Professional footballer facing domestic violence charges

A professional footballer, whose name cannot be published by court order, was arraigned in court charged with domestic violence.

The court heard how the couple, who lives in Swieqi together with their three young children, have been facing marital problems. During an argument at their residence in Swieqi, the husband allegedly struck his wife on the head with crutches.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €1,000. He was also ordered not to speak to his wife and to stay away from their marital home. He must also sign the bail book once a week. A protection order in favour of the woman was issued.

Together, the couple has three children aged six, four and one. Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona ordered a ban on the publication of the footballer’s name to protect the identity of victim and the young children.