Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Reginald Pearman insisted yesterday that players hauled before the governing body's disciplinary panel were all treated equally.

Just back from an International Cricket Council (ICC) general meeting in England, Pearman was reacting to claims of unfair punishment by St. George's wicketkeeper/batsman Sinclair Gibbons who lashed out at the Board after receiving a one-year ban for fighting with St. David's player Phillip (Billy-Joe) Pitcher.

The latter only received a two-game suspension following the incident during a match at Wellington Oval on May 26.

Gibbons called the difference in the length of the two suspensions "ridiculous", labelling the disciplinary panel "a kangaroo court" and vowing not to return to the game.

Pearman, while reluctant to discuss specific cases, said that no players were being singled out by the Board and every case was treated on merit.

"We are certainly not trying to be dictators, but rules are rules," said Pearman. "What's been happening as far as discipline is concerned has been ongoing, it's just that we have been more vociferous than we have in the past.

"The point is that worldwide it's happening . . . the ICC issued strict rules concerning code of conduct a few years ago and we have to adhere to them. These players know what they have to do and what they shouldn't do. Nothing has changed, we are not clamping down on any particular player or club, that's for certain."

According to Pearman, the procedure for dealing with disciplinary matters remains the same with umpires sending in reports and if and when players are identified for bringing the game into disrepute they are formerly charged by the Board.

"There is nothing to fuss about," said the president, indicating that most players knew when they were likely to be reported for incidents on the field of play. "It's rarely a surprise."

"I strongly believe that disciplinary action has to be taken when it's warranted," said Pearman. "The offending players have to be prepared to face the consequences if they misbehave on the field of play and are proven guilty."

In the case of Gibbons, St. George's intend to appeal, according to club president Neil Paynter.

"Of course we intend to lodge an appeal, but I can't say anything more than that right now," said Paynter.

"Actually, we haven't received an official letter yet from the Board confirming the sentence but when we do we will be filing an appeal."

Others slapped with bans by the disciplinary committee last week included Southampton Rangers skipper Janeiro Tucker, his cousin and team-mate Kwame Tucker and Jermaine Warner and Corey Hill of Bailey's Bay.