being attacked by a player during a Saturday afternoon league game.

Grade Two official Perry Scott suffered severe cuts and bruises to his face when he was allegedly set upon by a North Village player 12 minutes into the Commercial League match between North Village Rams and Tuff Dogs.

Sources told The Royal Gazette last night the assailant was former North Village Premier Division player Caisey Simons who reportedly took offence after being handed a yellow card.

The player then made an obscene gesture to Mr. Scott, after which he was given a red card and dismissed from play.

It's alleged that he initially walked off the field but then came running back and punched Mr. Scott in the face.

The referee underwent surgery in hospital and was yesterday listed in stable condition on a general ward.

No bones were broken but it's understood there was a blood blockage that had to be cleared.

When questioned about the incident yesterday, Police could not confirm the name of the referee or the match in which it took place.

Bermuda Referees Association, already under heavy strain because of a severe shortage of officials, will meet on Wednesday this week to determine what they will do about the latest in a long list of assaults on referees.

President of the BRA, Lyndon Raynor, said last night soccer was "an emotional game'' but such incidents had to be taken very seriously.

"I'm not happy,'' said Mr. Raynor, "I've spoken to Perry and he is physically and emotionally hurt.'' Mr. Raynor confirmed that Mr. Scott had filed criminal charges against the player but could not establish whether further legal action would be taken.

Bermuda Football Association has procedures for disciplinary action but the BRA is concerned the current manpower shortage will worsen following this latest incident.

Footballer faces legal card "Invariably, it will probably chase more people away. My hands are up in the air.'' said Mr. Raynor.

"No matter how much PR (public relations) we do, these incidents are only going to hurt the recruiting drive.'' Mr. Raynor insisted that it took a special person to referee soccer.

"The person has to want to be a referee. He has to have a strong, genuine love for the game.'' But recent incidents and a constant barrage from fans was discouraging, he added.

Mr. Raynor said the severity of any action the BRA might take at Wednesday's meeting was "up in the air'' and he did not want to say what direction members might take.

Reports from Mr. Scott and other referees at the game have been sent to the BFA and a disciplinary hearing for the player is expected to be scheduled.

"If things are acted on quickly, it may restore some confidence.'' said Mr.

Raynor.

SOCCER SOC