Somerset Cricket Club have condemned the “antisocial behaviour” towards referee Martin Wyer during their home match against Dandy Town in an FA Cup quarter-final last weekend.

Wyer threatened to abandon the tie after being on the receiving end of racist insults by supporters located on the lower-level porch of the clubhouse.

The Englishman was bombarded by a barrage of obscenities and, after deciding that enough was enough, advised match commissioner Manny Faria that he would halt proceedings if the behaviour persisted.

Somerset have since issued a written apology to Wyer and the Bermuda Referees Association and said they will be launching an internal investigation regarding the abusive language

“The officers and members of Somerset Cricket Club wish to inform the Bermuda football fraternity and wider public that we respect the role of match officials and do not condone antisocial behaviour, inclusive of any offensive language directed towards officials,” the club said in a statement yesterday.

“Vashun Blanchette, the president, reached out to referee Martin Wyer and the Bermuda Referees Association to advise our regret and offered a written apology for the abusive language directed towards Mr Wyer at our grounds.

“The executive and management committee of Somerset Cricket Club are actively conducting an internal investigation into the above mentioned matter and will utilise any official reports from the Bermuda Referees Association and the Bermuda Football Association.

“As a matter of urgency, Somerset Cricket Club will also review its crowd control guidelines with a view to taking strict measures that ensure this behaviour does not occur in the future.

“In closing, we offer our sincere apology that Mr Wyer was subjected to insulting language on our premises and trust that he will not experience a repeat of this conduct.”

The Bermuda Football Association yesterday also acknowledged an incident at another FA Cup quarter-final match last weekend. It said it was declining to comment either incident while referee and match commissioner reports are being reviewed.

A fan was arrested at the end of the tie between Robin Hood and PHC Zebras for having a quantity of drugs and a bladed article in his possession at Goose Gosling Field last Saturday.

Yesterday, the BFA said it “abhorred any activity that sheds a negative light on the beautiful game”.

The statement continued: “As is customary and a part of the post-match protocols the relative reports from the Match Commissioner and Referee will be reviewed, files prepared and presented to the BFA Disciplinary Committee for their consideration.

“We take this opportunity to remind football fans that any proven indiscretions will be dealt with according to the BFA Disciplinary Code and/or Bermuda Law.

“As these matters may be subject to further action it would be inappropriate to comment any further as we do not wish to prejudice any proceedings.”