Match fever

Paul Cachia of di-ve reports on European football fever taking over the islands tonight and tomorrow:

From crowded pubs to the corridors of power, Malta will come to a near standstill on Tuesday and Wednesday as four of the most favourite football teams amongst Maltese fans, have been pitted against each other. On Tuesday, Juventus will take on Real Madrid in Spain, while on the next day Manchester United will clash with AC Milan in Manchester. For a day or two in their lives, the Maltese will put aside political rivalry in the midst of an electoral campaign to form new alliances supporting their favourite side..

Maltese football fans will be transfixed at 2100CET, amid predictions of good business for bars, pubs and restaurants, where big screens will be erected for the occasion. Meanwhile, some members of parliament - amongst whom there are some avid supporters -- could be taking time off to watch the game, keeping their mobile switched on in the event that they are called by party whips to rush to parliament for a division!

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