It would be unfair to suggest that the host of red cards that were dished out by referees during Sunday?s league opener is a sign of things to come, according to Bermuda Football Association president Larry Mussenden.

Present at the west-end derby at White Hill between host Somerset Eagles and visiting Somerset Trojans, the football chief watched as a player from each side received marching orders from referee George O?Briebn but he reckoned that this happens in soccer-season openers all around the world.

?No, I definitely don?t think these sending offs are a sign of things to come,? said Mussenden yesterday.

?One must remember that everywhere around the world you have red cards somewhere on the first day of the season and Bermuda is no different because the people here care.

?But the truth of the matter is that we have rules and again I reiterate fair play is our game, the players must abide by the rules and realise that the referee is there to do a job officiating.?

While the list of sending-offs may appear to be unusual in one day, especially the start of the season, the president didn?t want to see the incidents detract from the successful kick-off to the season.

He believed the interest in football returning was so high that the early signs were that the season would be another exciting one for the players and public to enjoy.

?Obviously those sent off did something that caused the referees to send them off, I always say that people do things because they care, some times those things come to the attention of the referee and, if it causes a red card, then that?s the rules of the game,? said Mussenden.

?But I encourage all players to watch their language, to cut out the swearing if there is any and for referees not to tolerate it, to make sure that we have good conduct on the field on play at all times and for everybody to remember that the over-riding principle that we have in football is fair play and make fair play your game.?

Although the day?s feature game was at Bernard Park between North Village and Devonshire Cougars, Mussenden took in the clash between rivals at White Hill and thoroughly enjoyed it.

While not revealing which team he supported, he indicated that the atmosphere was tremendous and suggested that the season was one that the public was looking forward to with enthusiasm.

?At White Hilll there was clearly a sign of football doing a good service to the community with families out with their kids and everybody enjoying a good time,? he added.

?We had a good crowd at White Hill, it was nice, we had kids playing, parents sprawled on the grass and watching the game, yes there were two lovely football games there, including the opening First Division clash between Paget and Prospect and what more can one ask for at a club ground.?