Angry Grimes leads lights' protest
Field, according to former long-serving Bermuda Football Association member Gregory Grimes.
Grimes felt so strongly about the poor lighting conditions that he recently tendered his resignation, and his views are apparently shared by members of Bermuda Referees Association.
While making it clear that he had no complaints about other facilities at First Division Dandy Town's home ground, Grimes yesterday confirmed that it was the lights dispute which forced him to quit as a soccer administrator.
"In all fairness to the referees and linesmen, players and fans, I firmly believe that the BFA should not be holding matches there under those conditions,'' said Grimes.
"The lights are too long and the glare makes it difficult on the officials, players and fans to keep up with play. I fear one day something crucial is going to be missed during a game as a result of the problem and the blame is going to be put on the shoulders of the referee when there is nothing he can do about it.'' BRA vice-president Lyndon Raynor supported Grimes' view and said he hoped that the BFA would continue to work towards alleviating the problem.
"We are in full support of his position concerning the lighting system around there. It definitely concerns us and we strongly feel that it is a matter that has to be given immediate attention,'' said Raynor.
The dispute involving Grimes, the BFA and the BRA reached a head on December 29 when the Dudley Eve semi-final between Wolves and North Village at St.
John's Field came close to being postponed.
The game eventually went ahead as scheduled, a decision which influenced Grimes' decision.
"The dispute was the crux of the matter that led to my resignation but I felt that it was justified,'' said Grimes. "I am not a quitter. The fact remains that the lights need to be placed higher, that's the only problem.'' Grimes, however, left the door open when asked if he was entirely finished with soccer.
"Anything is possible, but right now I am just trying to figure out just what is going on. Nobody seems to know,'' he said.
The BFA's position remains unchanged with General Secretary David Sabir reiterating that they continue to work with all clubs towards improving facilities "in the best interest of soccer''.