visited the official's home that night to apologise for his actions.

But the matter is far from closed as Bermuda Football Association met last night to discuss the incident and Bermuda Referees' Association will take up the matter during their regular meeting next Monday at the Police Club.

The attack came at the end of the 0-0 draw between St. George's and Wolves in which the Second Division leaders had two players sent off.

Simmons is determined not to give up refereeing, something which was made clear during his discussion with Stuart Crockwell, president of the Referees' Association.

"I feel I'm giving something back to the community and if he (culprit) is sincere (in his apologies) he needs to do the same thing and give something back to the community like joining the Referees' Association,'' said Simmons last night.

Two weeks ago BFA president Neville Tyrrell warned that football could be suspended if there was just one more outbreak of violence at a club ground.

And Crockwell feels it may have to come to that in order to send a clear message that violence will no longer be tolerated.

Simmons and his assistant Gregory Smith were attacked by the umbrella-wielding fan, who has not been named, at the end of the game.

Tyrrell did not return phone calls yesterday but Crockwell, who is also a member of the Police Task Force which is making a strong presence at night matches in a bid to stamp out bad behaviour, was forthcoming with his concerns.

"I think it's disgusting when a fan runs on the field and attacks a referee,'' said Crockwell yesterday. "Tell him to take up golf if he wants to swing something.

"It's very distressing. My guys are going out there on Sundays to give their time to the sport and are being attacked.

"When we have our next meeting we are going to have some serious discussions on the matter.'' Incidents such as that on Sunday continue to keep many spectators -- even former players -- away from the game. And in recent years certain referees have quit in fear of their safety.

"Before I was a referee I was a dedicated fan of football,'' continued Crockwell, who took up refereeing in 1984. "I love football and that's what persuaded me to become a referee.

"Never, ever have I seen anything like this with fans attacking each other and attacking officials.

"We have reached the bottom but we have to put things in place to try to get the respectability, safety and the family outing environment back into football. That is where the Task Force, the BFA and the affiliates can work together.'' Crockwell made contact with his officials of the match on Sunday evening.

Another referee, George O'Brien, was at the game as a spectator and went to the aid of his colleagues.

"I have spoken to the two officials and I'm very concerned over an attack like that,'' said Crockwell.

"I support them 100 percent and they will get the support of the Referees' Association.

"We are as exhausted at the end of a game as a player is and for someone to come and attack us is a very cowardly act.'' As the officer in charge of the Task Force, which has made its presence felt at night matches, Crockwell has seen how it has deterred violence. The Task Force, which numbers 24 officers, will be out at each of the FA Cup matches this week.

"On Sundays we don't attend day games because that hasn't been an area identified with regards to violence at football games,'' said Crockwell.

"We have been applauded by people at the games for being there. They say they feel much safer. We are there as a preventative unit, we communicate and mingle with the crowd and if any illegal activities go down we are there to deal with it in a professional manner.

"People have to realise that football is entertainment for them, not for someone to take their frustration out on players, fans and the officials.

"Clubs have to take this seriously and identify the troublemakers.''