intoxicated while in charge of a match.

The Class III official had to be replaced at the interval of a Commercial Division Knockout Cup match featuring Devonshire Colts All-Stars and Fire Service at Devonshire Rec. field.

It is believed that players and team officials became aware of Lodge's condition during the match and complained of several missed as well as erroneous decisions by the official.

During the interval, Lodge was convinced to have someone relieve him of his duties, with senior official Roddy Burchall stepping in to complete the match.

Lodge, who would not comment on the matter yesterday, was subsequently banned from officiating for the rest of the 1993-94 season and placed on four months' probation by the Bermuda Referees Association (BRA).

The suspension was confirmed yesterday by BRA director Aldwyn Savery, who added that "the Bermuda Football Association have arranged to meet with Lodge about getting some effective treatment''.

BFA administrative assistant David Sabir refused to comment on specifics regarding the matter until his office had received a report from the BRA and a discussion period had been held.

He said that he hoped the person in question would not become discouraged by negative publicity, especially as there is a definite need for more officials considering the current shortage, and added that the main thing was to get help if needed.

Lodge first came to prominence last season when he was at the centre of a bottle throwing incident at Wellington Oval in a match involving Hamilton Parish and St. George's.

Brent Minors was found guilty of the assault on the linesman and reportedly banished from the club for 10 years.

Lodge took steps to have Minors prosecuted but the case was later dropped.

Friendship Trophy action continues tonight at Somerset where Southampton Rangers take on North Village at 9.00. The opening match sees Prospect clashing with Port Royal at 7.00 in the Second Division Shield competition.

Rangers are seeking their second win of the season and while they are out of the running for a Dudley Eve Trophy spot, they are capable of springing an upset here -- just as PHC did against Boulevard a couple of weeks ago. In fact, Southampton took the trophy with them into the Second Division when they were relegated in 1992, after defeating PHC 1-0 in the final on a Janeiro Tucker strike.