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Referee assault earns BFA ire

Football Association (BFA) following an attack Sunday on referee Leroy Wilson.And last night the Bermuda Football Referees Association called an urgent meeting to discuss the incident,

Football Association (BFA) following an attack Sunday on referee Leroy Wilson.

And last night the Bermuda Football Referees Association called an urgent meeting to discuss the incident, which took place during a Second Division match between Somerset and BAA at BAA Field.

Wade, a utility player for the Green Knights, was ejected after taking several swipes at the game official in protest of a non-call that resulted in Somerset scoring a goal during a 4-0 win.

BFA general secretary David Sabir yesterday said any player found guilty of attacking an official could expect serious repercussions.

"Any time a player abuses a referee or any other player we view it to be serious ... and we will continue to endeavour to find solutions to stamp it out of the game.'' Wade, who received an automatic one-game ban for being sent off, will be summoned before the BFA's disciplinary committee, which will view a report filed by the referee as well as question both parties before making a decision regarding additional punishment.

It is not known when the hearing will be held, although the most likely time would be early next week.

Nevertheless, Wade can expect a sentence of at least three years, as set out by the Association's list of disciplinary measures, instituted in 1995 on the heels of increased violence against referees and linesmen.

The list, which has eight categories, dictates a mandatory three-year suspension for any player striking a game official with "the hand, kicking or head butting.'' Former Dandy Town centre-back Troy Durham incurred a life ban in 1994 for assaulting linesman Peter Sousa, while Commercial League player Winston Martin got three years for striking referee Gernot Wilkie.

Wade is no stranger to suspension, having received a two-year ban back in April of 1993 for his part in a post-match brawl involving members of PHC and Devonshire Colts, also at BAA Field.

At that time Wade, who had been substituted and was clad in street clothes, was captured on videotape delivering a blow to PHC coach Jack Castle while departing the pitch after a Friendship Trophy semi-final match.

Compounding matters for the player was the fact that he did not appear for the hearing.

Sabir noted the current season has proceeded -- until now -- without trouble.

"This is the first serious incident occurring since the new executive has been in place. We look down on these situations, as they are very disturbing.

"The BFA, officials and the players have been enjoying quite a good run of soccer of late and certainly anyone who enjoys soccer has to be upset by an incident of this nature.''