Sunday's Second Division game at BAA Field against Somerset Trojans.

According to Bermuda Referees' Association president Stuart Crockwell "at least 80 percent of the players'' were reportedly drinking at the club on the morning of the game and many were in no shape to take to the field.

His accusations have since been relayed to Bermuda Football Association.

"We've been told that about 80 percent of the players were at the club around 10 a.m. on Sunday drinking, and many were allegedly on the field of play intoxicated,'' said Crockwell.

"We will not be tolerating things of this sort. We don't intend to make our people targets for any irresponsible, drunken idiots.'' Incensed over an incident that saw referee Leroy Wilson struck by BAA player Yul Wade, Crockwell and his executive have insisted that both the BFA and the club investigate their concerns immediately.

"We have advised the BFA of our concerns in a letter because they have for years assured us about getting some insurance and protection. Now we have a case of a referee getting hit in the back of his head. Should he have some after affects, who is going to pay for his hospital and doctor's bills,'' added Crockwell.

"The BFA have been procrastinating on this matter for too long and our letter to them advises that they must give us some satisfaction by December 1. Our referees need to be covered by insurance and the clubs must get their act together.

"If nothing happens by then and we don't get better changing facilities and more security, we will be looking at our position in regards to refereeing island wide by the 10th of December.

"We have given them options. We are sick and tired of people taking referees for granted and we don't intend to be a target or punching bag for anybody.'' Yesterday BAA president Donna Maiato refused to comment on any of Crockwell's allegations.

However, BFA first vice president Aldwyn Savery said the reports he had heard had also reached the BFA and were of grave concern.

"We are already pushing for a drug free sport. However, it is the club's responsibility to ensure that their players are in the right condition to play soccer and all we can do is advise them that it's counter productive to have people who are intoxicated on the field of play.

"If they are in this condition they can't control their behaviour and often they become involved in incidents which could have been otherwise avoided,'' said Savery.