Association (BRA) was mixed yesterday.

While some BFA affiliates thought the move to be a draconian step and knee-jerk reaction that unfairly penalised the clubs, others figured the short, sharp, shock method might well unveil positive solutions to the tide of violence in the local game.

Devonshire Recreation Club president Ellsworth Christopher pulled few punches in his response to the decision.

"I think it's absolutely ludicrous for the referees to hold the affiliates at ransom for something like this,'' said Christopher. "They're carrying this thing too far.

"They want us to protect them from players? How are we supposed to do that? "And this happened at a Commercial Division game, so now they decide to disrupt all of football ... I can't give them anything for that ...'' Ashton Thomas, president of Commercial side Valley FC, said that the referees should have at least allowed for the disciplinary process to play out.

"Basically, how I feel is that the BFA have dealt with incidents as quickly as possible and, with the BRA, they're acting very hastily to suspend their services instead of sitting down at the table and letting the BFA deal with what they have to deal with. If they're then not satisfied with what takes place -- go about and deal with matters as they see fit,'' said Thomas.

Conversely, Wolves president, Mickey Robinson, was firm in his belief that violence had to be eradicated by whatever means necessary.

"I think they have to take a stand,'' said Robinson. "I personally -- and this is mine and not my club's view -- think they have to take some sort of stand, and if it means suspending play and talking for two weeks, with everybody coming together to try and come up with some sort of solution and the end result is positive, that's good.

"Violence in the game has to be stamped out and it is totally not right to assault referees. Those who do exhibit that behaviour must be dealt with severely, and at this stage I feel you have to eliminate them from the game.'' For PHC coach Sammy Swan, the move could not have come at a worse time. With the Zebras riding a crest following back to back thrashings of the opposition, and their recent ascension to the top of the Premier Division standings, Swan would much rather have his men on the pitch, rather than left in limbo.

The coach also feared for a backlash beyond the soccer field, with young men left idling along roadsides with little to do.

"You don't want a whole lot of guys with nothing to do,'' said Swan. "If you think problems are bad now with the referee situation, it could get worse for all of Bermuda if you have guys hanging around with nothing to do.

"It's a ticklish situation. They (referees) have rights, but that (suspension of services) will affect the whole of Bermuda, because there's so many guys that play football.

"Clubs will probably still go on with training, but without football there's a serious problem that could blow up.''