Paget player Jamel Darrell's punishment for allegedly punching a referee is a three-game ban.

And the relatively light sentence doesn't appear to have bothered some members of Bermuda Referees' Association.

The attack on Ralph Tumbridge occurred during a First Division clash at Wellington Oval on December 5 between Paget and St. George's Colts.

Following news of the sentence meted out by Bermuda Football Association's disciplinary committee, BRA vice-president Lyndon Raynor said he didn't think there would be an appeal lodged on behalf of the referee.

Tumbridge said this week he was still waiting for confirmation of the sentence from BRA president Gregory Grimes and until then did not want to comment.

It was alleged that Darrell punched the official in the back with his fist after being sent off. However, the player reportedly claimed it was not intentional and that he had merely been throwing up his hands in despair.

It's understood the referee softened his position during the disciplinary hearing, saying that it may have been possible that the player struck him accidentally.

However another referee, who didn't wish to be named, said: "Perhaps Tumbridge did change his position during the meeting. Maybe he was intimidated by the presence of witnesses that the accused often happen to bring at these hearings for support.

"But it's a shame when somebody, having made an initial accusation, finds the need to change his position.

"We have to learn to stick by our convictions. Changing one's position doesn't make it look good whatsoever. When this incident occurred it concerned a lot of us. First it took far too long for the BFA to hold a hearing and then we hear that the player got off with a slap on the buttocks ... it doesn't go down well with some of us, that's for sure.'' The BFA have been privately criticised by members of Bermuda Referees Association for taking as long as six weeks to deal with the matter.

Despite that delay, Tumbridge wasn't discouraged and has continued to referee.

Ralph Tumbridge: struck in the back after showing the red card to Paget player Jamel Darrell.