Another local footballer is facing a possible life ban from the game.

Somerset Trojans registered player Dwia Blyden appeared in court yesterday charged with having an offensive weapon at St. David?s on Boxing Day when Champions Cup matches were played.

While the teenager has pleaded not guilty to the offence involving an eight-inch knife, Bermuda Football Association (BFA) president Larry Mussenden has announced that Blyden?s matter will be considered at the next BFA executive meeting in mid-January.

Earlier this year, the BFA slapped two players involved in the violent outbreak at Wellington Oval in April with life bans, despite the fact that one had his court case dismissed. The BFA also expressly stated a no-tolerance policy regarding violence at matches; something which Mussenden reiterated yesterday.

?As I have stated previously, the BFA frowns quite heavily on any registered player being involved in violence or having weapons at all but particularly at sports grounds,? he noted.

?I?ve also said playing football under the BFA?s auspices is a privilege and is not a right and that we will not hesitate to remove that privilege from any registered player.?

Mussenden called on the entire football fraternity to uphold the values and principles that ?our forefathers? had in relation to football ?that it?s meant for recreation...and that drugs and violence are not a part of club life nor of football?.

He noted that indulging in such disreputable conduct is ?an insult to our mothers, fathers and grandparents? from whose blood, sweat and tears many sports and workman?s clubs were born.

Looking ahead to the second half of the 2004-05 season, the BFA chief encouraged fair play on the field and more support for match officials. He also urged more persons to get involved in refereeing or coaching by taking the necessary courses.