Bermuda Referees Association (BRA) and Bermuda Football Association (BFA) are presently at odds over the latter's ruling to place temperamental Devonshire Colts coach Ray Jones on probation.

It was during a November 2 Premier Division clash involving Colts and Dandy Town at St.John's Field when Jones is alleged to have made "inappropriate remarks" at referee Ronue Cann that landed him in hot water with local football's governing body.

Jones is also alleged to have questioned Cann's refereeing pedigree and threatened to use his influence as a BFA executive to ensure the top official receive some form of punishment for what he claimed was sub-standard officiating.

"Mr Jones said I was worthless and said he is going to see to it that I get suspended from refereeing," Cann told The Royal Gazette after the match.

A BFA disciplinary committee later cleared Jones of a charge of bringing the game into disrepute, but placed the Colts coach and BFA treasurer on one-year probation for calling the top ref Cann "worthless".

It is now understood BRA officials are scheduled to meet with their counterparts from the BFA tonight when it's anticipated they will appeal against the latter's ruling on Jones.

Cann, a relative of late Somerset Cup Match all-rounder Winton (Timmy) Edwards, quit shortly after his ordeal with Jones but has since returned to officiating in the middle.

"I have officially resigned for the rest of the season," he declared, before eventually resuming duties in the middle.

The alleged November 2 row at St.John's Field involving Cann and Jones is just one of a few incidents that have plagued refs this season and prompted BFA to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy towards referee abuse in all its various forms.

"The point can't be made strong enough that we must adopt a zero tolerance for any negative behaviour directed towards referees," stated BFA general secretary, David Sabir.

"This is a cause for great concern to the referees and the association considering the general feeling that times have changed and spectators, players and team officials have become increasingly less tolerant with regards to the role the referee plays in the outcome of the game."

nPHC president Chris Furbert had his BFA disciplinary hearing postponed for the second time earlier this week.

Furbert has been summoned to appear before a BFA disciplinary committee to answer allegations of making "disrespectful and insulting" remarks at referee Anthony Mouchette following an October 19 Premier Division match at Southampton Oval involving Zebras and Dandy Town.