and the move has astonished members of the Bermuda Football Referees Association.

What puzzles the officials is the fact that Durham's own club -- sensing the seriousness of the player's brutal attack on linesman Peter Sousa -- took the extraordinary initiative and handed him a 10-year suspension on the night of the assault.

Now that the club has appealed the life ban, which was handed down by the BFA's disciplinary committee, the Island's referees are not only mystified -- some are downright angry.

Gregory Grimes, president of the BFRA, said yesterday that he was aware that an appeal had been submitted to the BFA. He noted how he was personally dismayed by the action taken by the club.

"We are all entitled to appeal, but I think the right (punishment) was meted out, there is no doubt about it,'' confided Grimes.

Durham's act of violence occurred at Frog Lane field on November 20 during a First Division game against Devonshire Colts. He was sent off the field by referee Rex Osborne after Sousa had revealed that the defender had hurled abusive language at him.

Durham returned to the sidelines about five minutes later and attacked Sousa from behind, resulting in the linesman writhing in agony after receiving a fierce blow to the back of his head.

Obviously viewing the incident as despicable and vicious, Dandy Town took prompt disciplinary action against the player -- a move praised by both the BFRA and the BFA.

It is understood that the club's motive for appealing is based on the Disciplinary Committee's inconsistency -- especially when compared to the case involving Winston Martin of Devonshire Lions of the Commercial Division, who a few weeks earlier had received just a three-year ban for punching referee Gernot Wilkie.

Dandy Town officials could not be reached for comment on the controversial appeal, but while agreeing that there was an appearance of inconsistency, Grimes insisted that the cases were separate and that more severe punishment was needed as violence continued to affect the sport.

"If the sentence in this case is reduced in any way I am most certain that our members will be very upset and disappointed, to put it mildly. Any reduction will be a slap in the face of the referees,'' said the president.

"We haven't met to discuss this issue but my personal view is that a message has been sent and the result should not be tampered with, not in the least.'' Grimes feared that any interference may create further problems, one which may lead to refeees tendering resignations.

Wilkie has not officiated since being attacked by Martin, and the president claims that his absence has not helped the BFRA, who are trying to cope with the burden of accommodating a heavy domestic schedule with a limited number of officials.

"We can ill afford to lose anybody else, there has always been a shortage of referees in local soccer. Wilkie hasn't refereed since being assaulted. He decided to take a break and leave it alone for awhile,'' said Grimes.

"It's sad because Wilkie was one of the more dedicated people in our association. We could call on him at any time.''