Bermuda Football Association to refer Jamaican ref’s abuse to independent panel
HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) — The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) says it is preparing a report to be sent to its independent disciplinary committee after a visiting Jamaican referee, who sent off two players in a top-flight league match, was abused by players and spectators.
The BFA said it deplored the behaviour shown towards Steffon Dewar in the Premier Division match between hosts Devonshire Cougars and rivals Devonshire Colts at the Devonshire Recreation Club ground last Saturday night, which nine-man Cougars won 3-1.
Local referees downed tools on Sunday and again in midweek, but have agreed to return for Saturday’s round of games.
Calling on members of the football fraternity to commit to tackling the issue of violence at matches, the BFA said in a statement: “We wish to make it abundantly clear that the BFA abhors the behaviour displayed that resulted in football coming to a temporary halt.”
“The reports of the incidents are being collated and the file prepared for submission to the BFA’s independent disciplinary committee to consider sanctions for any breaches and offences committed.”
Dewar sent off Cougars players Drewonde Bascome and Lejuan Simmons — both national team players — after the break.
Bascome got his marching orders for retaliation while Simmons was shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away after being flagged for offside, and saw red in the closing minutes for using foul and abusive language in protest.
Simmons had to be restrained after the final whistle, with Dewar and the other officials reportedly having to be escorted from the ground by security personnel, but not before some spectators showered drinks on the officials from an upper balcony of the clubhouse as they made their way to their dressing room.
The incident led match officials immediately to withdraw their services, resulting in the postponement of Sunday’s Premier Division and First Division fixtures, as well as matches in the FA Cup, Friendship Trophy and Shield in midweek.
BFA and referees’ association executives met on Tuesday night to seek a solution.
