JOD
01-06-2013, 12:57 AM
Whilst on hols I went to see the Hibernians play a game against their fierce rivals Valletta in the semi=of their cup in the National Stadium.
Hibs won 3-2 and went on to win the cup the following week.
The atmosphere was very Partizan to say the least with as many police as fans.
When Hibs were awarded a penalty all hell broke out with the opposition fans fighting with the police/dogs etc., in the ditch which surrounded the stadium.
While all this was going on I casually walked up to the bar in the gound and ordered myself another pint of the local brew (Cisk) no probs.
It was all a bit unreal.It is the done thing over there and nobody bats an eyelid. I enjoyed the match tho.
Next day I thought I'll buy myself a Hibs top to take back --- no way--- When you asked if they sold them the looks you got were just lets say not friendly.
The only place on the island of Malta you can buy a Hibs top is in Paola itself.They take their football very seriously over there.
In Paola itself it was a one team town with banners flags everywhere and I went to a locals bar named ''Hibernians FC'' and had a few at 1.50 euros a pint.
Got some great picts of Hibs/Hibees and if I can ever work out how to change this aviator I will for a period. I was also very impressed with their knowledge of us.
They appeared to look up to us as big brothers/knew some of our greats/and above all knew about the green.
All in all a great experiance and altho I dont think we can meet this year as we are both unseeded I believe we would get great welcome over there should it ever happen.
It would be a great trip for us.
www.hiberniansfc.org/history.aspx (http://www.hiberniansfc.org/history.aspx)
Hail Hail. :flag:
Hibs won 3-2 and went on to win the cup the following week.
The atmosphere was very Partizan to say the least with as many police as fans.
When Hibs were awarded a penalty all hell broke out with the opposition fans fighting with the police/dogs etc., in the ditch which surrounded the stadium.
While all this was going on I casually walked up to the bar in the gound and ordered myself another pint of the local brew (Cisk) no probs.
It was all a bit unreal.It is the done thing over there and nobody bats an eyelid. I enjoyed the match tho.
Next day I thought I'll buy myself a Hibs top to take back --- no way--- When you asked if they sold them the looks you got were just lets say not friendly.
The only place on the island of Malta you can buy a Hibs top is in Paola itself.They take their football very seriously over there.
In Paola itself it was a one team town with banners flags everywhere and I went to a locals bar named ''Hibernians FC'' and had a few at 1.50 euros a pint.
Got some great picts of Hibs/Hibees and if I can ever work out how to change this aviator I will for a period. I was also very impressed with their knowledge of us.
They appeared to look up to us as big brothers/knew some of our greats/and above all knew about the green.
All in all a great experiance and altho I dont think we can meet this year as we are both unseeded I believe we would get great welcome over there should it ever happen.
It would be a great trip for us.
www.hiberniansfc.org/history.aspx (http://www.hiberniansfc.org/history.aspx)
Hail Hail. :flag: