An attack by a Social Club player on referee Oral Swan marred this top Second Division game at Bernard Park yesterday.

The ref was punched by Social Club defender Ian DeSilva in the 30th minute following a tackle by a St.David's player.

As play continued, DeSilva had words with Swan and then attacked him, throwing several punches, one of which landed on the side of the referee's head.

Swan was quick to restrain DeSilva and then send him off as other Social Club players helped calm the situation.

Swan was later commended by Bermuda Referees Association president Stuart Crockwell for his handling of both the incident and the match.

"I think it was very distasteful, but the referee had a commendable game,'' said Crockwell, who also praised the Social Club players for their conduct during the incident.

Like the match officials, Crockwell, who was present at the game, will also be submitting a report to the BFA this week.

Executives of the Referees Association are scheduled to meet this week.

"Oral dealt with the incident in a professional manner,'' said Crockwell.

"There was no need for any of the other officials to intervene. Referee's assistant Ralph Tumbridge went on afterwards but players had already pulled the player away.

"It was a very unfortunate incident because we haven't experienced anything like that for quite some time. With the recruitment of the new referees, I would hope something like that doesn't discourage them from continuing the season.'' Added Crockwell: "That was the one negative part of the whole football game.

It was one of the best Second Division games I've seen for a long time.'' The win was a convincing one for St. David's as Social Club crashed to their second straight loss.

Shane Weeks broke the deadlock in the ninth minute for St. David's. Judah Tucker scored the Islanders' second on the half hour to restore their lead after Tokia Russell had replied from the penalty spot for Social Club in the 12th minute.

The ejection of DeSilva left Social Club with 10 men and Chae Simmons made them pay with a superb goal from 30 yards in the 49th minute.

Russell missed a second penalty in the 52nd minute before Weeks scored his second in the 89th minute to make certain of the win.