Pembroke Hamilton Club has condemned the racist abuse of the Island’s top referee Martin Wyer during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Flanagan’s Onions.

In confirming on Monday his intention to quit the game, Wyer said that he was verbally and racially abused by sections of the crowd at Goose Gosling Field.

Soon after the final whistle, the official informed the Bermuda Football Association that he would be resigning as a referee.

PHC, in all but admitting that Wyer’s allegations were indeed true, vowed yesterday to impose sanctions on any supporter found guilty of committing the “outrageous act”.

A club statement read: “The PHC executive strongly condemn the abuse and racial slurs that were directed at Mr Martin Wyer.

“We sincerely apologise for all of the abuse he endured and we hope that this unfortunate incident will be a catalyst for addressing the disease of racism that exists in society.

“To date, the PHC executive has not identified the individual who committed this outrageous act.

“If this certain individual is identified, the necessary disciplinary proceedings will be adopted as per our constitution. Football is a sport that can bridge divides and build a stronger community.

“We must not let the beautiful game be used to sow seeds of division and discord.

“The PHC executive encourages all of our members and supporters to combat all forms of racism and to be a positive example for all in the community.”

The abuse that the popular referee was subjected to has also been condemned by his fellow colleagues.

Crenstant Williams, the head of the BFA’s referees committee, said: “Mr Wyer has handed in his resignation from refereeing and, from the referees committee’s standpoint, we are investigating and trying to convince him that it will not happen again.

“We are also trying to hold the clubs responsible for the actions of their fans, so we have been in communication with them to try and ascertain exactly what happened through a thorough investigation.

“We are highly upset at this and are taking a firm stance on this because our referee numbers are down. To lose someone of Mr Wyer’s calibre doesn’t help the situation.”

The Englishman, who serves as a major in the Bermuda Regiment, booked five players and sent off Robert Bean, the PHC assistant coach, who launched a prolonged outburst at the referee from the bench, although there was no inference that his invective was of a racial nature.

• The FA Cup semi-final draw yesterday pitted Somerset Trojans against Dandy Town, and North Village against Flanagan’s Onions. The ties will be held on March 19 at a yet to be determined venue.

Last night’s games between Devonshire Cougars and Robin Hood in the Premier Division, and Wolves against Young Men’s Social Club in the First Division at Devonshire Recreation Club, were called off because of bad weather.