Wolves’ chances of Dudley Eve Trophy glory suffered a blow when the Bermuda Football Association issued a four-game suspension to Chae Simmons this week.

The midfielder was found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute after he was sent off in the league match against St. George’s on November 20.

However, the high-profile decision was partly overshadowed by the seven-year ban meted out to Toronto (Mackie) Darrell, of Young Men’s Social Club and the five-year sentence given to Stephen Rodrigues, of Commercial League side Vasco Mariners.

Darrell, who was only in his first or second game for the struggling First Division club, was charged with bringing the game into disrepute after he was sent off against Prospect at Police field on November 25.

The player was reported to have snatched the red card from out of the grasp of the referee, Terry Greene, and thrown it at him, after which he aimed a torrent of verbal abuse at the assistant referee, Vicky Johnston.

This happened in view of Larry Mussenden, president of the BFA, and Charlie Marshall, a past president, who both submitted reports for consideration.

Rodrigues attacked his own club’s principal, Dennis Rodrigues, who was acting as assistant referee during the Commercial League A Division match against Key West Rangers on November 24.

Simmons, who returned from a one-match ban to play a significant role in the 3-1 FA Cup defeat of Devonshire Cougars last Sunday, had to be restrained after he was dismissed by George O’Brien and threw his jersey onto the pitch before leaving. Simmons had been booked earlier and then was given a straight red for foul and abusive language after exchanging words with an opponent.

His appearance against Cougars, after the obligatory one-match suspension, was confirmation that Wolves thought so little of his behaviour as to not take internal action, but the BFA censure means that he will miss all but the second leg of the Dudley Eve Trophy final, should Wolves qualify tomorrow and win their first two matches.

The earliest Simmons could return if Wolves were to lose either of their first two matches in the competition is the first leg of the final.

Simmons, who was placed on probation until the end of the season, was one of seven players or officials to appear in front of the BFA Disciplinary Committee, with most facing sanction.Continued on Page 18