Disgraced Devonshire Colts coach Ray Jones has been suspended from all football related duties for the next two -years, Bermuda Football Association (BFA) confirmed today.

The BFA Treasurer had a one-year probation substituted for much harsher punishment in a failed attempt to clear his name at an appeals hearing last week.

A BFA Appeals Committee deemed it appropriate to impose a lengthy ban rather than probation after taking into account Jones' past disciplinary record.

The former Colts player was summoned before a BFA disciplinary committee for an alleged verbal assault on referee Ronue Cann at a November 2 Premier Division match at St. John's Field.

"Having reviewed Mr. Jones antecedent disciplinary record, the Appeals Committee has substituted the sentence of one year probation with that of a two year suspension from all football, including all administrative and on-field activities," confirmed BFA General Secretary David Sabir in a written press release.

In accordance to BFA Statutes, the Appeals Committee's ruling is final.

"The Disciplinary and Appeal Committees are the judiciary bodies of the Bermuda Football Association," added Sabir. "And as such are completely independent in their functioning from the Executive Council."

Just recently the BFA vowed to clamp down on referee abuse in an all its forms.

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

"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 referees play in the outcome of the game."